Choice A rationale

A fundus that is palpable to the right of the midline can indicate a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s common for women to have difficulty emptying their bladder. If the bladder becomes too full, it can push the uterus to one side.

Choice B rationale

Frequent uterine contractions are not typically associated with a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s normal for women to experience contractions as the uterus begins to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size.

Choice C rationale

Increased thirst is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. It’s common for women to feel thirsty as their body adjusts after childbirth.

Choice D rationale

Less than 2.5 cm of rubra lochia on the perineal pad is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. Lochia is the vaginal discharge women experience after childbirth. It’s not related to bladder function.

Choice A rationale:
Perineal pad clots are not the greatest risk for this patient. While it’s important to monitor the amount and type of lochia, the nurse’s notes indicate that the patient has a moderate amount of lochia rubra, which is normal within the first few days postpartum. Large clots could indicate a problem such as a retained placental fragment, but this is not mentioned in
the scenario.
Choice B rationale:
Pelvic pain is a common complaint after childbirth due to uterine contractions, especially during breastfeeding, and usually resolves within a few days. The patient’s pain is rated as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which is considered moderate. While it’s important to manage the patient’s pain, it’s not the greatest risk in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
A boggy uterus poses the greatest risk for this patient. A boggy or soft uterus indicates uterine atony, which is a lack of normal muscle tone that can lead to excessive bleeding. This is a serious condition that can lead to postpartum hemorrhage if not treated promptly. The nurse’s notes indicate that the patient’s fundus is boggy and located above the umbilicus, which is a concern. The fundus should be firm and gradually descend into the pelvis within the first few days postpartum.
Choice D rationale:
Breast engorgement is a common discomfort that occurs when the breasts are overly full with milk. It typically occurs within the first week postpartum as the milk supply increases. The nurse’s notes indicate that the patient’s breasts are soft, warm, and tender to touch, which is normal. While it’s important to manage the patient’s comfort, breast
engorgement is not the greatest risk in this scenario.