A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 2 days postpartum. In which location should the nurse expect to locate the fundus?

• A. At the umbilicus
• B. 1 cm below the pubic symphysis
• C. 3 cm below the umbilicus
• D. 5 cm above the pubic bone

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is postpartum uterine involution and fundal height. After delivery, the uterus sits at the level of the umbilicus and then descends about 1 cm per day as it contracts back toward the pelvis. By two days after birth, the fundus is typically a few centimeters below the umbilicus. Three centimeters below the umbilicus fits this expected descent pattern and indicates the uterus is involuting normally and is midline and firm when palpated. A full bladder can push the fundus higher, so ensure the bladder is emptied before assessment to get an accurate reading. The other locations are not consistent with two days postpartum: staying at the umbilicus would be immediate postdelivery, while being near the pubic symphysis or well above the pubic bone would not align with the typical descent timeline.