A client who delivered an infant an hour ago reports feeling wet underneath. What is the nurse's next action?

When a client reports feeling wet underneath shortly after delivery, it is imperative for the nurse to assess the firmness of the fundus. This is because postpartum hemorrhage can occur rapidly due to uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery. A firm fundus is essential for controlling bleeding, while a boggy or soft fundus may indicate that the uterus is not contracting, leading to potential complications such as excessive vaginal bleeding.

By palpating the fundus, the nurse can determine if the uterus is in the expected state of contraction or if further intervention is needed. If the fundus is found to be boggy, the nurse will typically perform fundal massage to encourage it to contract and may need to notify the healthcare provider for further orders and assessments.

While inspecting the perineum for lacerations and cleansing the perineum are important aspects of postpartum care, they do not directly address the immediate concern of potential uterine atony and the associated risk of hemorrhage. Obtaining a blood pressure might provide some information about the client’s overall status, but it would not be as immediate and impactful as assessing the firmness of the fundus in this context.