A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hr postpartum following a vaginal birth. The client has saturated a perineal pad within 10 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Assess client's blood pressure: While vital signs are important to monitor for signs of hemorrhage, the priority is to address the cause of excessive bleeding. Blood pressure changes may occur after significant blood loss, but immediate fundal assessment and intervention take precedence. B. Massage the client's fundus: A boggy or poorly contracted uterus is the most common cause of early postpartum hemorrhage. Massaging the fundus stimulates uterine contractions, helping to control bleeding and prevent further blood loss, making it the first action. C. Prepare to administer a prescribed oxytocic preparation: Administering medications such as oxytocin helps maintain uterine tone, but pharmacologic intervention follows immediate non-pharmacologic measures like fundal massage. D. Assess the bladder for distention: A distended bladder can contribute to uterine atony, but initial assessment and stimulation of the uterus through massage should occur first to rapidly reduce hemorrhage risk.