What is the first nursing action immediately following a normal vaginal delivery?

Following a normal vaginal delivery, the first nursing action involves monitoring the lochia flow, which is the vaginal discharge that occurs post-delivery consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Assessing lochia is crucial as it provides immediate information about the woman’s recovery and can quickly indicate complications such as hemorrhage if the flow is excessively heavy or if there are clots present.

Lochia assessment allows for the detection of potential problems early on, ensuring timely interventions can be made if necessary. The consistency, color, and amount of lochia are vital signs of uterine involution, and monitoring these parameters forms a critical part of post-delivery care.

While checking maternal vital signs and assessing maternal blood loss are also important actions following delivery, lochia assessment is prioritized to ensure that any issues with uterine atony or retained products of conception are addressed as quickly as possible.