During a postpartum assessment, if a client's perineal pad is saturated, what should the nurse do first?

When a client's perineal pad is saturated during a postpartum assessment, the priority action is to ask the client when she last changed her perineal pad. This step is vital as it provides immediate information about the amount of bleeding and helps determine if the saturation is within normal limits or indicative of potential hemorrhage.

Understanding when the pad was last changed offers insight into the client’s bleeding patterns and can help assess if the amount of lochia (postpartum vaginal discharge) is excessive. It is crucial to establish the timeframe, as it aids in triaging the situation appropriately. If the saturation is due to normal postpartum discharge patterns, the nurse can manage the situation without escalating urgency. However, if it indicates that the client may be experiencing abnormal bleeding, further intervention can be coordinated seamlessly based on this initial assessment.

Focusing on this inquiry prevents premature actions that may not address the immediate situation effectively and directs care based on the most relevant and specific information available.