A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a vaginal delivery 12 hours ago. When palpating the client's abdomen, at which of the following positions should the nurse expect to find the uterine fundus?
2 cm above the umbilicus
At the level of the umbilicus
One fingerbreadth above the symphysis pubis
To the right of the umbilicus
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. At the level of the umbilicus.
Choice A rationale:
The fundus is typically not found 2 cm above the umbilicus 12 hours postpartum. This position is more common immediately after delivery or in cases of uterine atony or retained placental fragments.
Choice B rationale:
At 12 hours postpartum, the uterine fundus is expected to be at the level of the umbilicus. This indicates normal involution of the uterus, where it contracts and shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Choice C rationale:
One fingerbreadth above the symphysis pubis is not a typical position for the fundus 12 hours after delivery. This position is more likely several days postpartum as the uterus continues to involute.
Choice D rationale:
The fundus being to the right of the umbilicus may indicate a full bladder, which can push the uterus to one side. This is not a normal finding 12 hours postpartum and would require intervention to empty the bladder.
: https://bchsfoutreach.ucsf.edu/sites/bchsfoutreach.ucsf.edu/files/handouts/Washington%20Hospital%20Postpartum%204-2018.pdf : https://nursekey.com/fundal-palpation-postpartum/
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Telling a client that a pelvic exam is required for birth control pills is not accurate. Current medical guidelines indicate that a pelvic exam is not necessary to prescribe oral contraceptive medications, hormonal contraceptives can be safely prescribed based on medical history and blood pressure measurement without the need for a pelvic or breast examination.
Choice B reason:
While offering support is important, simply telling the client not to worry does not address her specific concerns or provide her with information about the process and her options.
Choice C reason:
Advising the client to relax does not acknowledge the validity of her feelings or provide her with any concrete information or support to help alleviate her anxiety.
Choice D reason:
Asking the client what part of the exam makes her most nervous is an open-ended question that invites dialogue. It allows the nurse to provide targeted information and reassurance, addressing the client's specific concerns and promoting a sense of control and participation in her own health care decisions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering oxygen via face mask is a common intervention for late decelerations; however, it is not the first-line action. Oxygen is given to improve fetal oxygenation, but repositioning the mother has a more immediate effect on improving uteroplacental blood flow and, consequently, fetal oxygenation12.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluid is an intervention used to expand maternal blood volume, which can improve placental perfusion. However, this is not the primary action to be taken when late decelerations are noted, as it may take time for the increased fluid to affect the uteroplacental circulation.
Choice C reason:
Elevating the client’s legs can help increase venous return to the heart, potentially improving uteroplacental circulation. Nonetheless, this is not the most immediate action to take for late decelerations, as it does not directly address the potential compression of the vena cava or aorta.
Choice D reason:
Positioning the client on her side, particularly the left side, is the priority nursing action for late decelerations. This position helps relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, enhancing maternal cardiac output and increasing blood flow to the placenta, which can quickly improve fetal oxygenation and resolve late decelerations
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