NCLEX: A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for postpartum hemorrhage risk. Assessment data in…

Maternal-newborn nursing Health Promotion and Maintenance Reduction of Risk Potential

Case Study

A postpartum client on the mother-baby unit is being evaluated for postpartum hemorrhage risk. Assessment data include fundus boggy above the umbilicus and deviated to the right with heavy lochia. Which action should the nurse take first?

Question

A. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.
B. Offer a warm blanket and reschedule assessment until after lunch.
C. Complete all remaining scheduled tasks before reassessing the client.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation; address immediate safety risk; then notify the provider per protocol.

Rationale: NCLEX priority questions require stabilizing the client first using ABCs and focused assessment before comfort measures, documentation only, or delayed escalation.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Maternal emergencies