What medication should a nurse administer to a client experiencing postpartum hemorrhage?

In the context of postpartum hemorrhage, the appropriate medication to administer is oxytocin. Oxytocin is a uterotonic agent that stimulates uterine contractions, which helps to reduce bleeding by promoting the contraction of the uterus after delivery. This is crucial in managing postpartum hemorrhage, as a well-contracted uterus helps to expel any retained products of conception and minimizes excessive blood loss. The use of oxytocin is a standard practice in managing this complication immediately following childbirth.

While methylergonovine is another uterotonic that can be used to prevent or treat uterine atony, it is typically reserved for situations where oxytocin is not effective or for specific cases due to its contraindications, such as hypertension. Magnesium sulfate is primarily used for managing seizures in patients with preeclampsia or eclampsia and does not address the issue of bleeding. Similarly, terbutaline is a bronchodilator and is not indicated for postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, the most effective and widely used drug in this situation is oxytocin.