A postpartum client reports abdominal cramping. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to interact with the newborn.
• B. Provide comfort measures and rest.
• C. Monitor the client's vital signs every 15 minutes.
• D. Limit interaction with the newborn to reduce stress.

Answer: (C)

Postpartum stability is monitored closely to catch potential complications as the uterus involutes. When a client reports abdominal cramping after birth, the priority is to assess for stability by taking vital signs frequently. Monitoring vitals every 15 minutes allows early detection of signs that could indicate hemorrhage (such as rising pulse or falling blood pressure) or infection (fever, tachycardia), ensuring timely intervention if needed. Abdominal cramping can be a normal afterload—uterine contractions as the uterus contracts back to its nonpregnant size, often more noticeable with breastfeeding—but the main goal is to confirm the client’s hemodynamic status remains stable. Comfort measures and rest are helpful for symptom relief, but they don’t substitute for ongoing vital signs assessment. Bonding with the newborn is important, and safety isn’t compromised by continued interaction, but the most immediate action is to monitor vitals to ensure the client’s condition is stable.