Question

Nurse Dee has completed a postpartum assessment of Ms. Hodges. Which of the following is the priority action at this time?

1) Administer pain medication
2) Assess vital signs
3) Provide emotional support
4) Document findings

Answer 1

After a postpartum assessment, the priority action is typically to assess vital signs, as this can indicate urgent health concerns that need immediate attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority action for Nurse Dee after completing a postpartum assessment of Ms. Hodges depends on the findings of the assessment. Generally speaking, assessing vital signs should be prioritized as they can provide immediate information about the mother's physical state and can indicate if there are life-threatening conditions that need to be addressed urgently. Documentation of findings is also important but would be secondary to ensuring the patient is stable. Administering pain medication and providing emotional support are also critical aspects of postpartum care; however, these actions may follow initial priority assessments and address immediate health concerns. Since the hypothetical situation does not provide specific assessment findings, the priority action in most cases after a postpartum assessment is typically to assess vital signs.