A nurse is caring for a patient who experienced a vaginal birth 3 hours ago.
Upon palpation, the fundus is displaced to the right of the midline, is firm, and is two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus.
What actions should the nurse complete at this time?
Insert a urinary catheter.
Massage the fundus.
Have the patient urinate.
Administer an analgesic.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Inserting a urinary catheter is not typically the first action when the fundus is displaced. It is more commonly done when the bladder is distended and the patient is unable to urinate.
Choice B rationale
Massaging the fundus is usually done when the uterus is soft or boggy to help it contract and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, in this case, the fundus is firm, indicating that the uterus is well contracted.
Choice C rationale
Having the patient urinate is the appropriate action when the fundus is displaced to the right of the midline. This displacement often indicates a full bladder, which can push the uterus to the side. After the patient urinates, the uterus often returns to the midline position.
Choice D rationale
Administering an analgesic is not the first action when the fundus is displaced. Pain medication is typically given for postpartum discomfort or afterbirth pains, not for a displaced fundus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While congenital anomalies, growth restriction, and fetal distress during labor can occur in pregnancies, they are not directly associated with polyhydramnios. Polyhydramnios is a condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid in the uterus during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Carrying more than one fetus can lead to a condition known as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, which can result in polyhydramnios in one twin and oligohydramnios in the other. However, carrying more than one fetus does not directly mean the mother will experience polyhydramnios.
Choice C rationale
Polyhydramnios is indeed characterized by an excessive amount of amniotic fluid present in the uterus during pregnancy. This can be due to various reasons such as fetal abnormalities, maternal diabetes, and others.
Choice D rationale
An elevated level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid can be an indication of certain fetal abnormalities, but it is not a direct indicator of polyhydramnios.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
If the umbilical cord is protruding from the vagina, it’s a medical emergency known as cord prolapse. The nurse should insert a gloved hand into the vagina to relieve pressure on the cord. This is done to prevent cord compression, which could cut off the baby’s oxygen supply.
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