Question

The nurse palpates the fundus of a client after the third stage of labor. The nurse expects the fundus to have which characteristics?

a) Firm, at the level of the umbilicus
b) Soft, above the umbilicus
c) Hard, below the umbilicus
d) Distended, to the right of the umbilicus

Answer 1

The nurse expects the fundus of a client after the third stage of labor to be firm and at the level of the umbilicus, indicating effective uterine contraction and reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Step-by-step explanation:

After the third stage of labor, the nurse expects the fundus of the client to have specific characteristics. The correct answer is a) Firm, at the level of the umbilicus. This indicates that the uterus is contracting as it should after delivery, helping to prevent excessive bleeding. A firm fundus suggests that the uterine muscles are contracting effectively to compress the blood vessels and minimize bleeding. A soft or boggy fundus could be a sign of inadequate uterine contraction, leading to postpartum hemorrhage. It is critical for the fundus to be at the level of the umbilicus and in the midline of the abdomen immediately after birth, ensuring that the uterus is returning to its nonpregnant size and position.