Which complication should a nurse monitor for in a client who has just given birth vaginally?

Postpartum hemorrhage is a significant complication that can occur after vaginal delivery. It is characterized by excessive bleeding, defined as a loss of more than 500 milliliters of blood following a vaginal birth. This complication is critical for a nurse to monitor because it can develop quickly and may pose serious risks to the woman’s health.

Several factors contribute to the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, including uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery), retained placental tissue, and trauma during delivery. Therefore, nurses must assess uterine firmness, monitor vital signs closely, and observe the amount and characteristics of any vaginal bleeding.

Monitoring for postpartum hemorrhage involves checking for signs such as increased bleeding, changes in vital signs indicative of shock (like tachycardia or hypotension), and the presence of uterine tone. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to manage this condition effectively, making it a primary focus for nursing care in the immediate postpartum period.

While the other options presented are important in postpartum care, they do not directly connect as immediate complications following a vaginal delivery. Chronic hypertension is a long-standing condition that may not be acutely affected by recent delivery, infection develops over time and may not present immediately, and allergic reactions to