A client is 2 hours postpartum and is on an oxytocin IV. The client asks, 'Why is there so little bleeding?' Which response is best?

• A. The bleeding will immediately stop after delivery.
• B. The bleeding is minimal until I discontinue your IV medication.
• C. Bleeding will be heavy for the first day then taper off.
• D. Bleeding is not affected by the IV infusion.

Answer: (B)

After delivery, starting or continuing oxytocin helps the uterus stay firm and contract strongly. This contraction compresses the blood vessels where the placenta was attached, which reduces bleeding. So, while the IV oxytocin is running, bleeding tends to be minimal. If the infusion is stopped, the uterus may lose some of that tone, and bleeding could increase, which is why the patient is told that the current low bleeding is tied to continuing the IV medication. The other statements aren’t consistent with how oxytocin works to control postpartum bleeding.