The RN and the student nurse are caring for the postpartum client who is 16 hours postdelivery. The RN evaluates that the student needs more education about uterine assessment when the student is observed doing which activity?

For uterine assessment, the client should be positioned in a supine position so the height of the uterus is not influenced by an elevated position. When beginning the assessment, one hand should be placed at the base of the uterus just above the symphysis pubis to support the lower uterine segment. This prevents the inadvertent inversion of the uterus during palpation. Once the lower hand is in place, the fundus of the uterus can be gently palpated. The abdomen should be observed prior to palpation for contour to detect distention and for the appearance of striae or a diastasis.