Two hours after the clientÔÇÖs vaginal delivery, she reports feeling ÔÇ£several large, warm gushes of fluidÔÇØ from her vagina. The nurse assesses the clientÔÇÖs perineum and finds a large pool of blood on the clientÔÇÖs bed. Which nursing action is priority?

A full bladder may displace the uterus, causing increased bleeding. However, a more complete assessment must be performed prior to getting the client out of bed to prevent increased bleeding and syncope. Vigorously massaging the uterus may result in inversion of the uterus. The client should not simply be reassured that heavy bleeding is expected because further assessment is necessary before concluding that the clientÔÇÖs blood loss is WNL. The nurseÔÇÖs first action should be to support the lower uterine segment and to assess the fundus. Increased bleeding will occur if soft or ÔÇ£boggy.ÔÇØ Failing to support the lower uterine segment may result in inversion of the uterus.