Postpartum Care Nursing Questions Related

Review Postpartum Care Nursing Questions related questions and content

The nurse is providing postpartum care to a patient 24 hours after a vaginal delivery. Which action does the nurse perform prior to assessing the patient's uterus?

  • A. Place the patient on the left side.
  • B. Assess the passage of lochia.
  • C. Ask the patient to void.
  • D. Administer a dose of oxytocin.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ask the patient to void. This is important prior to assessing the patient's uterus because a full bladder can displace the uterus and make it difficult to accurately assess its position and firmness. By asking the patient to void, the nurse ensures a more accurate assessment of the uterus. Placing the patient on the left side (A) is a position used to maximize uterine perfusion but is not necessary prior to assessing the uterus. Assessing the passage of lochia (B) is important but can be done after assessing the uterus. Administering oxytocin (D) may be indicated to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage but is not necessary prior to assessing the uterus.