Fundus Focus
This is where the fundus should be located immediately after birth.
What is midline and at the level of the umbilicus?
This type of lochia is expected in the first 1–3 days postpartum.
What is lochia rubra?
After emptying the bladder, I should reassess this.
What is the fundal position?
A uterus that feels boggy may lead to this complication.
What is postpartum hemorrhage?
A fun trick to remember the lochia order is this.
What is "Rub Some Aloe" – Rubra, Serosa, Alba?
If the bladder is full, the fundus may shift in this direction.
What is laterally (usually to the right)?
Lochia serosa is what color?
What is pink or brown?
I chart a scant amount of lochia when the pad has this much blood.
What is less than 2.5 cm (1 inch)?
This is a sign that lochia may be infected.
What is a foul odor?
Teach the client that lochia should never smell like this.
What is fishy or foul?
A “boggy” fundus feels like this.
What is soft and spongy instead of firm?
This final stage of lochia is white or yellow-white in appearance.
What is lochia alba?
If excessive lochia is observed, I do this immediately.
What is notify the provider and assess for hemorrhage?
The uterus should descend how much per day?
What is approximately 1 cm per day?
A firm, midline uterus means this about postpartum bleeding.
What is bleeding should be controlled?
This is the first step a nurse takes if the fundus is boggy.
What is perform fundal massage?
A lochia odor that smells like this should be reported.
What is foul or malodorous?
A saturated pad within this time frame is considered abnormal.
What is less than 1 hour?
If lochia increases suddenly after being scant, I should suspect this.
What is retained placental fragments?
When teaching fundal massage, I explain it feels like this.
What is a firm grapefruit or softball under the skin?
Every postpartum shift, I check the fundus for these two characteristics.
What are position and firmness?
Lochia is assessed for these 4 characteristics.
What are color, amount, odor, and consistency?
To prevent uterine displacement, I encourage the client to do this often.
What is void regularly?
A displaced uterus and heavy bleeding usually indicate this underlying issue.
What is a full bladder?
I teach that lochia can last for this long postpartum.
What is up to 6 weeks (especially alba)?