Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers related questions and content

Twelve hours after vaginal delivery, Nurse Kayla palpates the fundus of a primiparous patient and finds it to be firm, above the umbilicus and deviated to the right. What is the BEST thing for Nurse Kayla to do for the patient?

  • A. Contact the physician for an order of methylergonovine
  • B. Gently massage the fundus to expel the clots
  • C. Encourage patient to ambulate and to void
  • D. Document this is a normal finding in the patient's records
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The best thing for Nurse Kayla to do for the patient is to encourage her to ambulate and to void. In this scenario, the fundus being firm, above the umbilicus, and deviated to the right indicates uterine atony with a full bladder. This finding is suggestive of a distended bladder pushing the uterus upwards and to the right. Encouraging the patient to ambulate helps promote uterine contractions, which can aid in the firming up of the uterus. Additionally, emptying the bladder will help the uterus to contract and return to its midline position. This intervention is non-invasive and promotes normal postpartum recovery without the need for medication or excessive manipulation.