Question

Where will the nurse expect to palpate the uterine fundus if Amanda ambulated to the bathroom w/o difficulty and voided just prior to being transferred?

a) At the level of the umbilicus
b) Below the symphysis pubis
c) Above the umbilicus
d) Midway between the umbilicus and symphysis pubis

Answer 1

After Amanda voids and empties her bladder, the uterine fundus should be expected to be palpated below the symphysis pubis, since a non-pregnant uterus would not be displaced as much and the bladder would not be occupying the space above the symphysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The uterine fundus is the top portion of the uterus, which can be detected upon palpation depending on various factors including bladder fullness. After Amanda has ambulated to the bathroom and voided, the bladder will be empty, allowing for the uterus to occupy the space the bladder would have expanded into when full. Immediately after childbirth, the fundus is typically found at the level of the umbilicus but contracts down to its non-pregnant size over the following weeks. However, with an empty bladder and without the presence of pregnancy, the fundus would not be displaced as much.

Considering the given choices and the anatomy involved, the correct answer is b) Below the symphysis pubis. This refers to the area immediately above the pubic bone and anterior to the rectum, where the uterus (without a pregnant-size fundus) would likely be situated after voiding.