After delivery of the placenta, a client's uterus is slow to contract. Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?

Choice A rationale Measuring blood pressure hourly is an important part of monitoring a postpartum client, but it is not the priority. While vital signs are crucial, the immediate physiological threat is ongoing hemorrhage from uterine atony, which must be addressed directly to prevent shock. Choice B rationale Preparing to administer blood products may become necessary if the client experiences significant blood loss, but it is not the initial priority. The first intervention is to stop or reduce the bleeding by promoting uterine contraction, which will minimize the need for subsequent blood transfusions. Choice C rationale Administering intravenous fluids is a supportive measure to maintain circulatory volume, but it does not address the underlying cause of the hemorrhage. The priority is to stimulate uterine contractions to compress the myometrial arteries and prevent further blood loss. Choice D rationale Initiating an oxytocin infusion is the priority nursing intervention. Oxytocin is a potent uterotonic agent that stimulates uterine contractions, causing the myometrium to clamp down on blood vessels at the placental site, thereby reducing postpartum hemorrhage.