226k views
2 votes
A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth vaginally 12 hr ago and palpates her uterus to the right above the umbilicus. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform?

a) Encourage increased ambulation
b) Administer analgesics for pain
c) Assist with bladder emptying
d) Perform fundal massage

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

When the uterus is palpated to the right and above the umbilicus post vaginal delivery, the nurse should assist with bladder emptying as a full bladder can displace the uterus and inhibit its contraction, increasing the risk of postpartum complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is assessing a client who gave birth vaginally 12 hours ago and notices that the uterus is palpated to the right above the umbilicus. A uterus that is not midline, and especially one that is above the umbilical area, can indicate that the bladder is full, since the full bladder can displace the uterus. The appropriate intervention in this scenario would be (c) Assist with bladder emptying. This is because a full bladder can inhibit contraction and lead to potential issues such as postpartum hemorrhage.

User EvilSyn
by
8.0k points