What indicates a therapeutic response when a client receives methylergonovine?

A therapeutic response to methylergonovine is indicated by decreased post-partum bleeding. Methylergonovine is a medication used primarily to prevent or treat excessive bleeding after childbirth by promoting uterine contractions. The primary action of this medication is to stimulate contraction of uterine smooth muscle, which helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce hemorrhage.

When the uterus contracts effectively, it reduces the risk of bleeding caused by retained placental fragments or uterine atony (lack of tone in the uterus). Therefore, a decrease in post-partum bleeding is a direct reflection of the medication’s effectiveness in managing these conditions.

Increased blood pressure and decreased uterine tone would not signify a therapeutic effect in this context. Increased urinary output is also not an expected outcome of methylergonovine administration. Instead, monitoring for a reduction in bleeding is the key indicator of the drug’s success.