The practical nurse (PN) determines that a client who is one day postpartum has a moderate amount of lochia rubra and the uterus is firm, dextroverted, and three fingerbreadths above the umbilicus. Which should be the PN's initial action?

A. Massage the uterus to decrease atony: Uterine massage is indicated when the uterus is boggy or soft, suggesting atony. In this case, the uterus is already firm, so massaging it would not address the problem and can cause unnecessary discomfort or trauma to the uterine tissue. B. Assess the bladder for distension: A firm but displaced uterus (dextroverted and elevated above the umbilicus) typically indicates bladder distension. A full bladder pushes the uterus upward and to the side, interfering with normal uterine involution and increasing the risk of postpartum bleeding. C. Check the hemoglobin to determine uterine hemorrhage: While assessing hemoglobin levels helps monitor blood loss over time, it is not an immediate action to correct uterine displacement. The priority is to identify and relieve the cause of uterine deviation. D. Provide a stool softener for constipation: Constipation is common postpartum, but it does not cause uterine displacement or affect lochia flow. Addressing bowel function is important, but it is not the immediate priority when the uterus is high and deviated.