Before administering Methergine or Pitocin for postpartum hemorrhage, what nursing assessment is priority?

• A. Amount of lochia
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Deep tendon reflexes
• D. Uterine tone

Answer: (B)

Blood pressure assessment is the priority because methylergonovine is a potent vasoconstrictor that can raise blood pressure quickly. If the patient is hypertensive or has preeclampsia, giving this drug can trigger a hypertensive crisis or stroke, so knowing the baseline BP guides safety and whether the medication can be used or should be withheld in favor of alternatives. While monitoring uterine tone, lochia, or reflexes is important for overall postpartum hemorrhage care, the immediate safety check before administering these uterotonics is to confirm blood pressure is within a safe range.