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Which of the following findings would be expected when assessing the postpartum client?

A. Fundus 1 cm above the umbilicus 1 hour postpartum.
B. Fundus 1 cm above the umbilicus on a postpartum day 3.
C. Fundus palpable in the abdomen at 2 weeks postpartum.
D. Fundus slightly to the right; 2 cm above umbilicus on postpartum day 2.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The expected finding is option A, where the fundus is 1 cm above the umbilicus 1 hour postpartum. Other options are less likely as the fundus should decrease 1 cm per day postpartum and not be palpable after two weeks, while a fundus off to the side could suggest a full bladder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expected finding when assessing a postpartum client is option A: Fundus 1 cm above the umbilicus 1 hour postpartum. After childbirth, the uterus begins the process of involution, where it contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size. This process is facilitated by postpartum uterine contractions, which also limit blood loss from the detachment of the placenta. The fundal height decreases about 1 cm per day. Therefore, by the third postpartum day, the fundus should be around the level of the umbilicus or below, making option B incorrect. By two weeks postpartum, the fundus should no longer be palpable in the abdomen, which makes option C incorrect. One to two days postpartum, the fundus is commonly palpable at or below the level of the umbilicus, but if it's slightly off to the side, it often indicates a full bladder, so additional evaluation would be needed, making option D questionable without further context.

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