Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy Related

Review Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy related questions and content

A woman is at 14 weeks of gestation. The nurse would expect to palpate the fundus at which level?

  • A. Not palpable above the symphysis at this time
  • B. Slightly above the symphysis pubis
  • C. At the level of the umbilicus
  • D. Slightly above the umbilicus
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: At 14 weeks of gestation, the fundus should be palpable slightly above the symphysis pubis. This is because the fundus gradually rises with the progression of pregnancy. At this stage, the uterus is still within the pelvis and hasn't yet reached the level of the umbilicus or above it. Choice A is incorrect as some level of fundal height should be palpable by this time. Choice C is incorrect as the fundus is not expected to be at the level of the umbilicus until around 20 weeks. Choice D is also incorrect as the fundus would not typically be palpable slightly above the umbilicus until later in the pregnancy.