What action should a nurse take for a patient who had a vaginal birth 2 hours ago and has soaked 2 perineal pads in the last 30 minutes?

In the context of a patient who has just given birth vaginally and is soaking perineal pads, assessing the patient's uterine tone is a critical action. This step is essential to determine if the uterus is firm or boggy, which directly relates to the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. A firm uterus usually indicates proper contraction and less likelihood of excessive bleeding, while a boggy or poorly contracting uterus could suggest uterine atony, a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.

By assessing uterine tone, the nurse can identify any issues early on and decide on appropriate interventions, such as fundal massage or medication to encourage uterine contraction if needed. This assessment provides immediate information about the patient's condition and guides subsequent nursing actions to ensure the safety and health of the patient.

The other options, while relevant in different scenarios, do not address the immediate need to evaluate the uterine status. For instance, massaging the fundus is helpful but should follow an initial assessment to determine if it is necessary. Positioning the patient in Trendelenburg may not have significant benefits related to uterine atony and could cause discomfort or complications. Notifying the physician is important if there are findings that require intervention, but initial assessment by the nurse is crucial to understand