RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1359 of 2368

A client 20 minutes after birth has heavy vaginal bleeding, and the fundus is soft and poorly contracted. Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Ask the client to empty their bladder, then massage the fundus vigorously
  2. Apply a warm compress to the lower abdomen and ask the client to rest in bed
  3. Give methylergonovine by intravenous push before attempting any other action
  4. Document the findings and recheck the fundus and the bleeding in one hour
Show answer

Correct answer: Ask the client to empty their bladder, then massage the fundus vigorously

A full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent contraction, so the client voids before vigorous fundal massage for atony.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), High-risk Perinatal Client Care: Tone. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026