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
A fundus that is palpable to the right of the midline can indicate a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s common for women to have difficulty emptying their bladder. If the bladder becomes too full, it can push the uterus to one side.
Choice B rationale
Frequent uterine contractions are not typically associated with a distended bladder. After childbirth, it’s normal for women to experience contractions as the uterus begins to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Choice C rationale
Increased thirst is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. It’s common for women to feel thirsty as their body adjusts after childbirth.
Choice D rationale
Less than 2.5 cm of rubra lochia on the perineal pad is not typically a sign of a distended bladder. Lochia is the vaginal discharge women experience after childbirth. It’s not related to bladder function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Physiologic jaundice is a common condition in newborns, usually appearing between the second and fourth day of life. It is caused by an increase in bilirubin, a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.
Choice B rationale
Maternal/newborn blood group incompatibility can cause jaundice, but it typically appears within the first 24 hours of life.
Choice C rationale
Maternal cocaine abuse can lead to various complications in the newborn, but it does not directly cause jaundice.
Choice D rationale
Absence of vitamin K does not cause jaundice. Vitamin K is given to newborns to prevent bleeding disorders.
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