A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is 2 hours postpartum and is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic shock. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer a diuretic
• B. Place the client in Trendelenburg position
• C. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula
• D. Elevate the client's legs to a 30° angle

Answer: (D)

In postpartum hypovolemic shock, the immediate goal is to stabilize circulation and improve perfusion. Elevating the legs to about 30 degrees uses gravity to pull blood back toward the central circulation, increasing venous return (preload) and helping raise cardiac output and tissue perfusion while you initiate fluids and blood products.

Oxygen is important to prevent hypoxia, but it doesn’t address the underlying loss of circulating volume. A diuretic would worsen the low-volume state. Trendelenburg (head-down) positioning is no longer routinely recommended because it can compromise breathing and increase risk of aspiration or other complications. Elevating the legs provides a quick, safe, and effective initial measure to support circulation as part of a broader resuscitation plan.