A nurse is caring for a patient who had a vaginal delivery 12 hours ago.
Where should the nurse expect to find the uterine fundus when palpating the patient’s abdomen?

Choice A rationale

Assessing the amniotic fluid is important after rupture of membranes, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the mother and baby.

Choice B rationale

Walking the patient to the bathroom is not the immediate priority. After rupture of membranes, the patient should be assisted back to bed to prevent cord prolapse.

Choice C rationale

Calling and informing the healthcare provider is important, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first assist the patient back to bed and initiate fetal monitoring.

Choice D rationale

Assisting the patient back to bed and initiating fetal monitoring is the correct action. After rupture of membranes, the priority is to assess the fetal heart rate for any signs of distress, such as bradycardia, which could indicate cord prolapse.

Choice A rationale

While an elevated WBC count can indicate an infection, it is not the most important symptom to monitor in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is primarily a platelet disorder, and while infection can trigger or exacerbate the condition, an elevated WBC count is not a direct symptom of ITP78.

Choice B rationale

Fever can be a sign of infection, which can trigger or exacerbate ITP. However, it is not the most important symptom to monitor in a patient with ITP78.

Choice C rationale

Ecchymosis, or bruising, is a key symptom of ITP. Because ITP involves a decrease in platelets, which are necessary for clotting, patients with this condition are prone to bruising and bleeding. Therefore, monitoring for ecchymosis is crucial.

Choice D rationale

Fatigue can be a symptom of ITP, but it is not the most important symptom to monitor. While fatigue can impact a patient’s quality of life, it does not directly indicate the severity of the condition.