A postpartum client's fundus is firm, 3 cm above the umbilicus, and displaced to the right. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?
Assist the client to void then reassess the fundus.
Document the findings as within normal limits.
Gently massage the client's fundus.
Encourage the client to ambulate.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Assisting the client to void is a priority intervention in this situation. A full bladder can displace the uterus and prevent it from contracting effectively, leading to a boggy and high- positioned fundus. After the client empties her bladder, the nurse should reassess the fundus to ensure it has descended to its appropriate location, which is usually at or just below the level of the umbilicus.
Choice B rationale:
Documenting the findings as within normal limits is incorrect because a firm, displaced fundus that is 3 cm above the umbilicus is not considered normal. This finding indicates that the uterus is not contracting adequately, and the nurse should take appropriate actions to address the issue.
Choice C rationale:
Gently massaging the client's fundus is not the correct intervention in this case. Massaging a firm fundus could cause uterine irritation and should be avoided. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to empty her bladder, which often helps the uterus contract and descend to its proper position.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate may be helpful in some cases to promote uterine contractions and involution. However, in this situation, the priority is to address the full bladder, as it is a common cause of a displaced and high fundus shortly after delivery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client is experiencing continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, which are key signs of abruptio placentae. This condition occurs when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born, leading to bleeding and potential fetal distress. The history of cocaine use can be a risk factor for abruptio placentae, as cocaine use may lead to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the placenta.
Choice B rationale:
Hydatidiform mole is not likely in this case because it presents with symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and a "grape-like” mass on ultrasound. The continuous abdominal pain is not typical for a hydatidiform mole.
Choice C rationale:
Preterm labor is not the likely complication in this scenario because the client is at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. Preterm labor refers to labor that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is not the likely complication as it presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, and the abdominal pain described in the question suggests a different condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Preparing for an amnioinfusion is not the first-line action. It may be considered if decelerations do not resolve with initial measures such as maternal repositioning.
Choice B reason:
Administering oxygen is a subsequent measure if initial interventions like repositioning do not improve the FHR. Oxygen is typically given at 8-10 L/min via a nonrebreather mask to increase fetal oxygenation.
Choice C reason:
Discontinuing oxytocin is important if the cause of decelerations is uterine hyperstimulation. However, repositioning the client should precede this action to quickly address potential umbilical cord compression.
Choice D reason:
This is the first action to take because it can quickly alleviate potential compression of the umbilical cord, which is often the cause of variable decelerations. It may be considered if decelerations do not resolve with initial measures such as maternal repositioning.
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