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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heart rate of 170. A heart rate of 170 is not a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Choice B rationale
Grunting or sighing with respirations. This is a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Choice C rationale
Nasal flaring. This is a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Choice D rationale
Respirations of 72. This is a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choiced. Slightly above the umbilicus.
Choice A rationale:
At 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus is not typically 5 cm above the umbilicus. This measurement would be more consistent with a later stage of pregnancy, around 28 weeks.
Choice B rationale:
The fundus being slightly below the umbilicus is more consistent with an earlier stage of pregnancy, around 20 weeks. At 22 weeks, the fundus should be higher.
Choice C rationale:
The fundus being 3 cm below the umbilicus is also indicative of an earlier stage of pregnancy, not 22 weeks. This would be expected around 18-20 weeks.
Choice D rationale:
At 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus is typically located slightly above the umbilicus.This corresponds with the general rule that the fundal height in centimeters should match the number of weeks of pregnancy, give or take 2 cm.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
