What should the practical nurse (PN) do first for a client who is one day postpartum and has a moderate amount of lochia rubra?

In this scenario, the first action a practical nurse should take for a client who is one day postpartum and has a moderate amount of lochia rubra is to massage the uterus to decrease atony. After childbirth, it is essential to monitor the uterus for signs of atony, which can lead to excessive bleeding. Lochia rubra, which is the vaginal discharge occurring in the first few days postpartum, consists mostly of blood and is expected to decrease in amount as the uterus contracts and the woman begins to heal.

Massaging the uterus stimulates it to contract effectively. This is a critical nursing intervention that helps control bleeding and promotes uterine tone. Performing this action promptly addresses the potential for postpartum hemorrhage, making it the priority action in this situation.

While assessing vital signs is also important to identify any abnormalities that could indicate complications, the immediate concern in the presence of moderate lochia rubra is to ensure that the uterus is firm. Encouraging ambulation aids recovery and helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis but is not the most urgent intervention at this moment. Notifying the healthcare provider might be necessary if there are signs of excessive bleeding or other complications, but managing uterine tone is the first priority. By massaging the uterus, the practical