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 blood pressure 88/54 mm Hg, heart rate 128/min, and saturated perineal pads. Which nursing action is the priority to keep the client safe?

Question

A. Leave the client alone to promote independence while finishing charting.
B. Apply the first intervention in the policy manual without a current assessment.
C. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.
D. Document the finding and recheck at the end of the shift without further assessment.

Rationale

Correct answer: C. Stay with the client, remove immediate hazards, reassess, and escalate per facility safety protocol.

Rationale: Client safety requires direct assessment, hazard reduction, and timely escalation rather than assumptions, abandonment, or policy-only actions.

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

Level: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Maternal emergencies