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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: "I will tip the nipple so air is present as my baby sucks.”
Choice A rationale:
The parent's statement in choice A, "I will keep my baby's head elevated while he is feeding,” indicates an understanding of proper bottle feeding techniques. Keeping the baby's head slightly elevated can help prevent choking and aspiration during feedings. This is a correct statement, and no further instruction is needed in this regard.
Choice B rationale:
The parent's statement in choice B, "I will allow my baby to burp several times during each feeding,” also demonstrates knowledge of appropriate bottle feeding practices. Burping the baby during and after feedings helps release swallowed air, reducing the likelihood of excessive gas and discomfort. This statement is correct, and no additional instruction is required.
Choice C rationale:
Choice C is the incorrect statement because tipping the nipple to introduce air while the baby sucks is not a recommended practice. In fact, it can lead to an increased intake of air, potentially causing gas, discomfort, and colic in the baby. Therefore, further instruction is needed to correct this misconception.
Choice D Rationale:
Choice D is not directly related to the need for further instruction in bottle feeding techniques and is not addressed in the explanation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Assess the fetal heart rate pattern.
Choice B rationale:
When a laboring client's membranes have just ruptured, the nurse's next action should be to assess the fetal heart rate pattern. Rupture of membranes can lead to changes in amniotic fluid, which can affect the fetal environment and potentially cause fetal distress. By assessing the fetal heart rate pattern, the nurse can determine if the baby is tolerating the labor process well or if there are signs of fetal compromise that require further intervention.
Choice A rationale:
While assessing the client's blood pressure (Choice A) is important during labor, it is not the immediate next action when the membranes have ruptured.
Choice C rationale:
Taking the client's temperature (Choice C) is also important, but it is not the priority action when the membranes have ruptured.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing for a c-section (Choice D) is not the initial action unless there are specific indications for an emergency cesarean section. Assessing the fetal heart rate is more critical at this stage.
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