Correct Answers With Rationale
Question 1.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hours postpartum after a vaginal delivery.
The nurse notes that the fundus is located at the level of the umbilicus and is firm.
Which action should the nurse take?
A. Massage the fundus vigorously.
B. Notify the provider immediately.
C. Document the findings as normal.
D. Encourage the client to ambulate.
[Correct Answer:] C
[Rationale:] At 24 hours postpartum, the fundus should be at the level of the umbilicus
and firm. This is a normal finding indicating adequate uterine involution. The uterus
should be at the umbilicus at 24 hours and then descend 1-2 cm per day. By 2 weeks
postpartum, the uterus should not be palpable abdominally . Vigorous massage is not
needed for a firm fundus.
Question 2.
A nurse is assessing a postpartum client's lochia on day 3 after delivery. The nurse
notes a brownish-pink discharge with a fleshy odor. How should the nurse
document this finding?
A. Lochia rubra
B. Lochia serosa
C. Lochia alba
D. Foul-smelling lochia
[Correct Answer:] B
[Rationale:] Lochia serosa occurs from days 4-10 postpartum and is characterized by a
brownish-pink to yellowish-white discharge. Lochia rubra (days 1-4) is red to pinkish-
,brown. Lochia alba (days 10 to 6 weeks) is white or creamy. A fleshy odor is normal for
lochia; a foul odor would indicate infection .
Question 3.
A nurse is providing education to a postpartum client about involution. Which
statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of the process?
A. "My uterus will return to its prepregnant size within 2 weeks."
B. "Breastfeeding will help my uterus contract and return to normal size."
C. "My uterus will stay enlarged until I stop breastfeeding."
D. "Involution is completed within 24 hours after birth."
[Correct Answer:] B
[Rationale:] Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, which promotes uterine
contractions and involution. The uterus typically returns to its prepregnant size within 6
weeks, not 2 weeks. Breastfeeding does not prevent involution; it enhances it. Complete
involution takes approximately 6 weeks .
Question 4.
A nurse is assessing a postpartum client's perineum using the REEDA tool. Which
component is NOT assessed using this tool?
A. Redness
B. Ecchymosis
C. Edema
D. Temperature
[Correct Answer:] D
[Rationale:] REEDA stands for Redness, Ecchymosis, Edema, Drainage, and
Approximation. Temperature is not a component of the REEDA assessment. The REEDA
tool is used to assess an episiotomy, laceration, or cesarean incision site .
, Question 5.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 12 hours postpartum. The fundus is firm,
midline, and located 1 cm above the umbilicus. Which action should the nurse
take?
A. Massage the fundus.
B. Document the finding as normal.
C. Notify the provider.
D. Have the client void.
[Correct Answer:] B
[Rationale:] Within the first 12 hours postpartum, the uterus may rise 1 cm above the
umbilicus before descending. This is a normal finding related to uterine involution and
does not require intervention. The fundus should be at the umbilicus by 24 hours
postpartum .
Question 6.
A nurse is caring for a postpartum client who delivered via cesarean section 48
hours ago. The client's temperature is 101.2°F (38.4°C), and she reports uterine
tenderness and foul-smelling lochia. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Mastitis
B. Endometritis
C. Urinary tract infection
D. Normal postpartum findings
[Correct Answer:] B
[Rationale:] Endometritis is an infection of the uterine lining. Signs include fever
>100.4°F, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and chills. Clients who deliver via
cesarean section are at higher risk. Treatment includes broad-spectrum antibiotics and
blood or intrauterine cultures .
Question 7.
A nurse is assessing a postpartum client who delivered vaginally 6 hours ago. The