What would be an appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing postpartum hemorrhage?

Massaging the fundus of the uterus is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing postpartum hemorrhage. This action helps to stimulate uterine contractions, which can reduce bleeding. After childbirth, the uterus should contract to prevent excessive blood loss, and when it's not contracting properly, it can lead to uterine atony, a common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Gentle, firm massage of the fundus (the top part of the uterus) helps encourage these contractions and can assist in expelling any blood clots that may be contributing to the hemorrhage.

In contrast, while encouraging fluid intake is generally good practice for overall recovery, it does not directly address the immediate need to control bleeding. Applying ice packs to the abdomen may provide comfort or reduce swelling but does not influence uterine contractions or hemorrhage directly. Administering pain medications, while potentially important for managing discomfort, does not contribute to resolving the underlying cause of the hemorrhage. Therefore, massaging the fundus is the most effective intervention in this situation.