A pregnant client comes in for a routine first prenatal examination. According to the last menstrual period, the estimated gestational age is 12 weeks. Where would the nurse expect to palpate the uterine fundus in this client?

Question

A pregnant client comes in for a routine first prenatal examination.  According to the last menstrual period, the estimated gestational age is 12 weeks.  Where would the nurse expect to palpate the uterine fundus in this client?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cbef_bee3_b433_ff8772b3ae5a_MD0009_00 The enlarging pregnant uterus should be just above the symphysis pubis at approximately 12 weeks gestation (Option D). At 16 weeks gestation, the fundus is roughly halfway between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus. It reaches the umbilicus at 20-22 weeks gestation and approaches the xiphoid process around 36 weeks gestation. At 38-40 weeks, the fetus engages into the maternal pelvis and the fundal height drops. After 20 weeks gestation, the fundal height, measured in centimeters from the symphysis pubis to the top of the fundus, correlates closely to the weeks of gestation. (Options A, B, and C) At 12 weeks gestation, the uterine fundus should be just above the symphysis pubis. Educational objective: The fundus rises above the symphysis pubis at approximately 12 weeks gestation, reaches the umbilicus at 20-22 weeks gestation, and reaches the xyphoid process at 36 weeks gestation. After 20 weeks gestation, the fundal height in centimeters correlates closely to the weeks of gestation.

A Pregnant Client Comes in for a Routine First Prenatal