What is the initial nursing action when assessing the fundus postpartum?

The initial nursing action when assessing the fundus postpartum is to ask the client to urinate and empty her bladder. This is crucial because a full bladder can displace the uterus and lead to inaccurate assessment of the fundus's position. If the bladder is distended, it can cause the uterus to be higher and deviated to one side, which may falsely suggest uterine atony or other complications. By ensuring that the bladder is empty, the nurse can obtain a more accurate assessment of the uterine height and tone, which are essential in monitoring the client's recovery and identifying any potential complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage.

While other factors, such as checking for signs of infection or inspecting the lochia, are also important considerations in postpartum care, they are subsequent steps that can be performed after the fundal assessment is made under optimal conditions. Therefore, addressing the bladder status first is a fundamental nursing practice in postpartum assessment.