The nurse is assessing the fundus of a patient on postpartum day 2. What should the nurse expect when palpating the fundus?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because uterine contraction begins immediately after placental delivery, the fundus of the uterus is palpable through the abdominal wall, halfway between the umbilicus and the symphysis pubis, within a few minutes after birth. One hour later, it will rise to the level of the umbilicus, where it remains for approximately the next 24 hours. From then on, it decreases one fingerbreadth or centimeter per day and will be palpable 1 cm below the umbilicus. For the second postpartal day, the uterus will be two fingerbreadths or centimeters below the umbilicus. The fundus should not be palpated 4 cm above the symphysis pubis, 4 cm below the umbilicus, or two fingerbreadths above the symphysis pubis on the second postpartum day. The fundus should not be hard.

The Nurse Is Assessing the Fundus of a Patient on Postpartum