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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chadwick’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased blood flow. This sign is commonly seen in early pregnancy, but it does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice B rationale
Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability seen in hypocalcemia. It refers to an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve. This sign is not related to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Goodell’s sign is a significant softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix from increased vascularization. This vascular softening is seen in early pregnancy. It does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice D rationale
Cullen’s sign is the appearance of bruising in the skin around the umbilicus. It occurs when there is blood in the peritoneum, or intra-abdominal bleeding. In the case of a suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy, Cullen’s sign would indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the leg can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, which can alleviate pain and redness in the calf. This is a non-pharmacological intervention that the client can easily do at home.
Choice B rationale
Applying cold compresses is typically used for acute injuries to reduce inflammation and numb the area. However, in the case of a postpartum client reporting pain and redness in her calf, this could potentially be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and applying cold compresses may not be the most appropriate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Flexing the knee while resting is not typically recommended for a client with symptoms that may indicate a DVT. This position does not promote venous return and could potentially exacerbate the condition.
Choice D rationale
Massaging the area is not recommended if a DVT is suspected, as it could dislodge a blood clot and cause a pulmonary embolism.
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