Question

On examining a woman who gave birth 5 hours ago, the nurse finds that the woman has saturated her pad within 15 minutes. What should be the nurse's first action?

a) Encourage ambulation
b) Document the finding
c) Notify the physician
d) Assist with perineal care

Answer 1

When a postpartum woman saturates her pad within 15 minutes, the nurse's first action should be to notify the physician as it may indicate postpartum hemorrhage.

Step-by-step explanation:

On examining a woman who gave birth 5 hours ago, the nurse finds that the woman has saturated her pad within 15 minutes. The nurse's first action should be c) Notify the physician. This is because saturating a pad within 15 minutes may suggest postpartum hemorrhage, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Documentation and other supportive measures, such as helping with perineal care or encouraging ambulation, should follow after ensuring that appropriate emergency measures are put in place.