What priority assessment should a nurse perform before administering Methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage?

Assessing the client's blood pressure is crucial before administering Methylergonovine for postpartum hemorrhage because this medication can cause significant vasoconstriction, potentially leading to hypertension. Since one of the primary effects of Methylergonovine is to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce bleeding following childbirth, knowing the patient’s baseline blood pressure helps evaluate the safe use of the drug.

If the client has a history of hypertension or if their blood pressure is elevated prior to administration, it raises concerns about the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions. Therefore, blood pressure assessment serves as a critical safety measure before proceeding with the medication to avoid complications.

Other assessments such as monitoring heart rate, temperature, or pain level are important in postpartum care but do not have the direct, immediate implications on the safety of administering Methylergonovine like blood pressure assessment does. While all assessments are part of comprehensive nursing care, the prioritization of blood pressure in this context is essential for ensuring patient safety with this specific medication.