What action should a nurse take for a client who is 6 hours postpartum, experiences tachycardia, and reports excessive bleeding?

Administering an infusion of oxytocin is the correct action for a client who is 6 hours postpartum, experiencing tachycardia, and reporting excessive bleeding. In the immediate postpartum period, one of the primary concerns is the prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage, which can be a life-threatening condition. Oxytocin is a uterotonic agent that promotes uterine contraction and helps to control bleeding by stimulating the contraction of the uterus. This is especially important when a patient exhibits signs of excessive bleeding, as effective uterine contractions can significantly reduce blood loss.

While monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes is important in this clinical scenario, it does not directly address the underlying issue of uterine atony (lack of uterine tone), which is likely contributing to the excessive bleeding. Similarly, applying a warm compress to the abdomen might provide some comfort but does not address the urgent need for hemostatic control. Ordering a complete blood count may be useful for assessing blood loss and determining the need for further interventions, but it does not provide immediate action to halt the bleeding.

Therefore, the administration of oxytocin is the most appropriate and direct intervention to address the excessive bleeding and to stabilize the client postpartum.