A 32-year-old female has minor vaginal bleeding after a delivery of a newborn. What should you do?

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Multiple Choice

A 32-year-old female has minor vaginal bleeding after a delivery of a newborn. What should you do?

The key action is to perform external fundal massage to make the uterus contract firmly. After delivery, the uterus should clamp down to compress the bleeding vessels. If the uterus is soft or “boggy,” massaging the outside of the abdomen over the uterus helps stimulate contraction and control the hemorrhage. This immediate step addresses the most common cause of postpartum bleeding—uterine atony. While giving IV fluids may be part of resuscitation, it doesn’t stop the bleeding by itself. External vaginal examination isn’t indicated here and preparing for cesarean isn’t warranted for minor bleeding.

The key action is to perform external fundal massage to make the uterus contract firmly. After delivery, the uterus should clamp down to compress the bleeding vessels. If the uterus is soft or “boggy,” massaging the outside of the abdomen over the uterus helps stimulate contraction and control the hemorrhage. This immediate step addresses the most common cause of postpartum bleeding—uterine atony. While giving IV fluids may be part of resuscitation, it doesn’t stop the bleeding by itself. External vaginal examination isn’t indicated here and preparing for cesarean isn’t warranted for minor bleeding.

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