A client 72 hours postpartum has a fundus that is soft and a fingerbreadth below the umbilicus. Which action is appropriate?

• A. Massage the uterus to remove clots.
• B. Increase fluids with juice.
• C. Report to the provider.
• D. Apply heat to lower abdomen.

Answer: (C)

A soft, boggy uterus at 72 hours postpartum is not expected and signals inadequate placental tissue contraction or a potential complication such as subinvolution or infection. The priority is to escalate for medical evaluation so the provider can determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment to prevent hemorrhage. While a nurse would monitor fundal tone and lochia and may perform as-needed fundal massage, the finding described requires provider assessment to rule out retained products or infection and to guide further management. The other choices don’t address the safety priority of evaluating for potential complications.