During the immediate recovery phase after delivery, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?

Monitoring the uterine fundus and lochia is crucial during the immediate recovery phase after delivery because it helps assess the mother's physiological response to childbirth and detect any possible complications. A firm, midline uterine fundus indicates effective uterine contraction, which is essential for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Assessing lochia allows the nurse to evaluate the amount and characteristics of vaginal bleeding, which also provides important information regarding the woman's recovery. Abnormal findings in either of these assessments could signal issues such as uterine atony or retained placental fragments, which require prompt intervention. Therefore, checking the uterine fundus and lochia is a priority to ensure the mother's safety and well-being in the immediate postpartum period. The other actions, while important, do not have the same immediate priority in relation to the mother's physical stability and preventable complications.