After a successful delivery of a placenta, what is the appropriate action if the mother continues to bleed?

Performing fundal massage is the correct action after a successful delivery of the placenta if the mother continues to bleed. This technique helps to stimulate uterine contraction, which is crucial for reducing postpartum hemorrhage. After delivery, the uterus should contract to seal off the blood vessels that were connected to the placenta. If the uterus is not contracting effectively, it can lead to excessive bleeding.

Fundal massage involves using a hand to apply firm pressure at the top of the uterus (the fundus) to encourage it to contract. When the uterus contracts adequately, it reduces the risk of hemorrhage and helps stabilize the mother's condition.

In the context of the other options, applying pressure to the vaginal opening may provide temporary support but does not address the underlying issue of uterine atony (lack of uterine tone), which is often the cause of bleeding after childbirth. Administering oxytocin can also be an important medical intervention to promote uterine contraction; however, it typically follows or accompanies fundal massage, rather than being the first action. Initiating IV fluid therapy may be necessary in cases of significant blood loss, but addressing uterine contraction with fundal massage is a more immediate and direct response to control bleeding right after the placenta has been delivered.