Which clinical finding should the nurse suspect if the fundus is palpated on the right side of the abdomen above the expected level?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, a distended bladder. When the fundus is palpated on the right side above the expected level, it indicates that the bladder is full and pushing the uterus upward and to the right. This can interfere with the normal descent of the uterus during involution, leading to the fundus being higher than expected.
Choice B, normal involution, is incorrect as it does not explain the fundus being palpated above the expected level.
Choice C, lying on her right side too long, is incorrect as body position does not typically result in the fundus being displaced.
Choice D, stretched ligaments that are unable to support the uterus, is incorrect as stretched ligaments would not cause the fundus to be palpated above the expected level; rather, it would lead to a lower position of the uterus.