The nurse is caring for a client at risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Which early sign of hemorrhage should the nurse monitor for this client?

  • coma
  • hypotension
  • restlessness
  • cool, clammy skin
Number 3 is correct.
Restlessness is one of the first signs of shock. Coma is a late sign of shock. Hypotension occurs later in shock. Skin may appear pale early in shock, but coolness manifests later if shock is not corrected. The presenting signs vary slightly depending on which type of shock the client is experiencing. Middle and late signs may overlap, or progress differently in the client depending on previous health history. With hemorrhagic shock, acute bleeding is obvious and the client can quickly enter the late stages of shock if blood loss is fast enough or high volume loss persists.