On the first day after a cesarean section, a client who is a primipara is being assisted to the bathroom for the first time. The client experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and notices that several blood clots are in the toilet. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

The correct answer and explanation is: d) Massage the fundus and avoid direct pressure on the cesarean incision. This is the best action to take for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a cesarean section. Massaging the fundus helps to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding. Avoiding direct pressure on the incision prevents pain and wound dehiscence. a) Insert an indwelling catheter to empty the bladder and contract the fundus. This is not the first action to take for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a cesarean section. Inserting an indwelling catheter requires a physician's order and may cause discomfort and infection. The client may already have a catheter in place after the surgery. b) Check fundal consistency and continue to monitor the lochial flow amount. This is not enough to do for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a cesarean section. Checking fundal consistency and monitoring lochial flow are important, but they do not address the cause of bleeding or prevent further blood loss. c) Return the client to bed and maintain bedrest until the lochial flow slows. This is not appropriate for a client who experiences a sudden gush of vaginal blood and clots after a cesarean section. Returning the client to bed and maintaining bedrest may delay ambulation and increase the risk of thromboembolism. It also does not stop the bleeding or treat the underlying cause.