Which action is included in the BLS postpartum hemorrhage management protocol?

Which action is included in the BLS postpartum hemorrhage management protocol?

• A. Place patient on the left side
• B. Massage fundus vigorously
• C. Administer aspirin
• D. Immediate discharge

Answer: (B)

Postpartum hemorrhage at the BLS level is most often caused by uterine atony, where the uterus isn’t contracting well enough to clamp down on bleeding vessels. The best action to address this is fundal massage—massaging the uterine fundus to stimulate contraction and firm the uterus. When you locate the fundus at the top of the uterus, apply firm, circular pressure with the heel of your hand and massage until the uterus feels firm. Do this for several minutes while monitoring the patient and preparing for transport. This active step directly reduces ongoing bleeding by increasing uterine tone. While positioning (such as left-side) can support perfusion, it doesn’t actively stop the hemorrhage like fundal massage does. Administering aspirin is not appropriate and would worsen bleeding, and immediate discharge would be unsafe.

Postpartum hemorrhage at the BLS level is most often caused by uterine atony, where the uterus isn’t contracting well enough to clamp down on bleeding vessels. The best action to address this is fundal massage—massaging the uterine fundus to stimulate contraction and firm the uterus. When you locate the fundus at the top of the uterus, apply firm, circular pressure with the heel of your hand and massage until the uterus feels firm. Do this for several minutes while monitoring the patient and preparing for transport. This active step directly reduces ongoing bleeding by increasing uterine tone. While positioning (such as left-side) can support perfusion, it doesn’t actively stop the hemorrhage like fundal massage does. Administering aspirin is not appropriate and would worsen bleeding, and immediate discharge would be unsafe.