Which finding would be expected for a client two hours after a cesarean section?

Two hours after a cesarean section, an expected assessment finding would involve the fundus being located 1-2 fingerbreadths above the umbilicus, and it should be firm and midline. This reflects the typical involution process following childbirth.

In the immediate postpartum period, the uterus begins to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size and position, a process known as involution. After a cesarean delivery, it is typical for the fundus to be slightly elevated above the umbilicus due to the abdominal incision and the displacement of organs post-surgery. The firmness indicates good uterine tone and contraction, which helps prevent complications such as hemorrhage.

The correct assessment also emphasizes that the fundus should remain midline, as any deviation could indicate a full bladder or other issues. Recognizing these normal findings is essential for monitoring the recovery of clients post-cesarean delivery and addressing any potential complications early on.

This understanding reinforces the critical role of postoperative assessment and the expected physiologic changes that occur in the days following a cesarean section.