An LPN on a hospital postpartum unit is caring for a client after a vaginal birth with a repaired fourth-degree tear. The earlier RN assessment documented a firm fundus at the umbilicus and moderate rubra lochia. The plan requires prompt reporting of increasing bleeding, a fundus above the umbilicus or a pad saturated within an hour. An assistive staff member now reports a heavily soaked pad but is unsure when it was last changed. What should the LPN do?
- Use the earlier RN assessment to continue routine observations until the next scheduled check.
- Assess current bleeding and fundus while promptly informing the RN; obtain urgent help for heavy bleeding.
- Independently revise the nursing care plan to manage presumed uterine atony without RN collaboration.
- Enter the staff member’s report as the LPN’s own measured blood-loss assessment.