Question

When a patient who is bleeding postpartum has a palpated uterus that is 3 cm above the umbilicus and to the right and if boggy, what should the nurse ask her to do:

a) Empty the bladder
b) Perform Kegel exercises
c) Increase fluid intake
d) Administer pain medication

Answer 1

When a patient who is bleeding postpartum has a palpated uterus that is 3 cm above the umbilicus and to the right and if boggy, the nurse should ask her to empty the bladder.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient who is bleeding postpartum has a palpated uterus that is 3 cm above the umbilicus and to the right and if boggy, the nurse should ask her to empty the bladder. This is because a full bladder can interfere with uterine contractions and contribute to postpartum hemorrhage.

During the postpartum period, it is important for the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size. Emptying the bladder helps the uterus contract more effectively and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding.

Therefore, the nurse should instruct the patient to empty her bladder to help prevent further complications.