Final answer:
The fundus of a woman after the third stage of labor should be firm and globular, indicating proper uterine contraction and the process of returning to nonpregnant size and shape.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the third stage of labor, when assessing the fundus of a postpartum woman, a nurse should expect to find the fundus to be firm and globular. When the fundus is firm, it indicates that the uterus is contracting properly to compress the blood vessels and minimize bleeding. A globular shape suggests that the uterus is returning to its nonpregnant size and shape. The presence of a soft and boggy fundus can be a concern, indicating poor uterine contraction and potentially leading to excessive bleeding, known as postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, the nurse should expect the fundus to be firm and globular (choice D).