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/
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Temperature monitoring is important in preterm labor to detect infections or inflammations that could complicate the pregnancy. However, while maternal temperature is a vital sign that should be monitored, it is not the priority in this context. The priority is to assess the well-being of the fetus, which is directly indicated by the FHR.
Choice b reason:
Bowel sounds are assessed to ensure gastrointestinal function and to detect potential complications such as ileus or bowel obstruction. In the context of preterm labor, while bowel sounds are part of a comprehensive assessment, they are not the priority over fetal well-being and maternal respiratory status, especially when administering magnesium sulfate, which does not primarily affect gastrointestinal function.
Choice c reason:
Respiratory rate is a critical assessment when administering magnesium sulfate due to the risk of respiratory depression as a side effect of the medication. It is essential to monitor because maternal oxygenation directly affects fetal oxygenation. However, the FHR is a more direct measure of fetal distress and therefore takes priority in this specific assessment.
Choice d reason:
Fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is the priority nursing assessment when administering magnesium sulfate IV to a client in preterm labor. Magnesium sulfate can affect uterine contractions and, by extension, fetal oxygenation and well-being. FHR is the most direct indicator of fetal distress, which can occur if the uterus becomes too relaxed and compromises placental blood flow or if there are side effects affecting the mother's cardiovascular status. Therefore, continuous monitoring of FHR is crucial to ensure the fetus is not experiencing distress.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Slightly below the umbilicus is not the expected location for the fundus at 22 weeks of gestation. Typically, the fundus is located at the level of the umbilicus at 20 weeks and rises about 1 cm above the umbilicus each week thereafter.
Choice b reason:
3 cm above the umbilicus would be more consistent with a gestational age of approximately 23 weeks, as the fundus rises approximately 1 cm per week after reaching the level of the umbilicus at 20 weeks.
Choice C rationale: At 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus is typically located slightly above the umbilicus. The uterus has grown sufficiently by this stage to reach this position, aligning with the expected fundal height measurements. This corresponds with normal pregnancy progression, as fundal height in centimeters is expected to approximate the gestational age in weeks.
Choice D rationale: By 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus has already risen above the umbilicus, so palpating the fundus 3 cm below the umbilicus is inconsistent with normal pregnancy progression. Earlier in pregnancy, such as around 16 to 18 weeks, the fundus might be found below the umbilicus, but this does not apply at 22 weeks.
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