During the second postpartum hour after a long labor and difficult birth, a nurse identifies that the client has heavy vaginal bleeding that does not diminish after fundal massage. the client reports, "i'm so thirsty. may i have some ginger ale?" how should the nurse reply?

The nurse should say, "I know you may be hard; but, it's for your own benefit that you wait until the bleeding has subsided. I can do anything else to assist you except that." The client should avoid receiving anything for his or her mouth due to the heavy bleeding. Giving the patient a drink could cause problems such as coughing or agitation.