Maternity Nursing Q 124
During the postpartum period, the fundus of the uterus is expected to go down normally about how many centimeters per day?
A. 1.0 cm
B. 2.0 cm
C. 2.5 cm
D. 3.0 cm
Correct Answer: A. 1.0 cm
The uterus will begin involution right after delivery. It is expected to regress/go down by 1 cm. per day and becomes no longer palpable about 1 week after delivery.
Option B: During the normal puerperium period, the uterine involution is defined by the changing indices of the uterine size, the uterine cavity inserts, and the uterine artery flow. Most of the studies publish the first ultrasound examination findings on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd postpartum days, but there is not a single ultrasound study examining the uterus within the first two hours after delivery.
Option C: The most obvious postpartum change is involution of the uterus from a 1-kg structure with a 5- to 10-L volume to a 60-g structure holding 3 to 5 mL. This involution begins during the third stage of labor, accelerates after expulsion of the placenta, and continues over the next 5 to 6 weeks. Typically, the uterus is at the umbilicus after delivery of the placenta, and it decreases in height by about a centimeter a day until it again becomes a pelvic organ at about 12 days postpartum. Slower involution continues over the next several weeks until prepregnant size is attained. Restoration of the normal endometrial lining occurs by the 16th day postpartum.
Option D: The most intensive uterine involution period is the first month after delivery. The trend of involution in primiparous and multiparous women is similar; however, in multiparous women, it lasts longer than 6–8 weeks.