Before administering methylergonovine (Methergine) for postpartum hemorrhage, which parameter should the nurse check?

Before administering methylergonovine (Methergine) for postpartum hemorrhage, it is essential for the nurse to check the blood pressure of the patient. Methylergonovine is a potent uterotonic agent that works by stimulating uterine contractions, which can be critical in managing postpartum hemorrhage. However, one of its significant side effects is hypertension, which can pose risks to both the mother and the fetus, particularly if the mother has preexisting hypertension or if the dosage is not carefully managed.

Monitoring blood pressure helps to ensure that the patient is stable enough to receive this medication and allows the nurse to prevent potential complications associated with elevated blood pressure levels after administration. This consideration is especially vital since managing postpartum bleeding effectively is crucial, but it must be balanced with the potential for adverse effects like elevated blood pressure.

Checking other parameters like temperature, lochial flow, or urine output is also important in the overall assessment of the postpartum patient, but they do not directly relate to the immediate safety and effectiveness of administering methylergonovine in the context of potential hypertensive effects. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure specifically is the most critical parameter in this scenario.