Final answer:
An increased pulse rate is an early sign of excessive blood loss the nurse should monitor for in the immediate postpartum period. This response is an attempt by the body to compensate for lower blood volume caused by hemorrhage, and it can occur before any changes in blood pressure are detected.
Step-by-step explanation:
An early sign of excessive blood loss in a client in the immediate postpartum period that the nurse is monitoring is an increased pulse rate. When hemorrhage occurs, the body initially tries to compensate by increasing the heart rate to maintain blood flow and blood pressure, despite the reduction in circulating volume.
This early compensatory response can lead to a rapid pulse or tachycardia, which can be an early warning sign even before a noticeable drop in blood pressure occurs. As hemorrhage progresses, blood pressure may eventually fall and other signs such as decreased urine output cool and clammy skin pale conjunctiva and confusion or loss of consciousness may develop signaling a progression towards hypovolemic shock which is a life-threatening condition.