North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is an appropriate action when dealing with postpartum hemorrhage?

1. Provide the mother with fluids

2. Massage the uterus

3. Administer pain medication

4. Monitor fetal heart rate

The correct answer is: Massage the uterus

When dealing with postpartum hemorrhage, massaging the uterus is a critical action to help stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding. After delivery, the uterus should contract to help expel any retained placental tissue and minimize blood loss. This technique works by physically stimulating the uterine muscle, encouraging it to contract more effectively. While other actions such as providing fluids and monitoring vitals are important in the overall management of a patient in shock due to hemorrhage, they do not directly address the source of postpartum bleeding. Administering pain medication may be necessary for comfort but does not contribute to controlling the hemorrhage itself. Monitoring fetal heart rate is irrelevant after delivery, as it pertains to assessing fetal well-being during pregnancy and labor, not postpartum complications. Thus, massaging the uterus stands out as the most appropriate immediate action in this scenario.