At 24th week of pregnancy fundus of the uterus is at the level of:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

At 24 weeks of gestation, the top of the uterine fundus is typically located at the level of the umbilicus.
This landmark is a standard part of antenatal assessment to track fetal growth.
The measurement is consistent with McDonald's rule, where after 20-24 weeks, the fundal height in centimeters roughly equals the gestational age in weeks.
The option 'At the level of umbilicus or one finger lower' encompasses the expected location for the 22-24 week period, making it the best fit.

Option A: This fundal height corresponds to an earlier stage of pregnancy.
Option C: This location represents the peak fundal height, which occurs much later in pregnancy.
Option D: This fundal height is associated with a gestational age slightly earlier than 24 weeks.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Fundal height measurement and its correlation with gestational age as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Fundal height measurement is a non-invasive, cost-effective method for screening for fetal growth abnormalities during routine antenatal check-ups.
A nurse must ensure the patient's bladder is empty before measurement, as a full bladder can push the uterus upward, leading to an inaccurate, falsely high reading.
What if? If at 24 weeks the fundal height measures only 20 cm, this is a significant discrepancy. The nurse should document this finding and report it to the obstetrician, as it may indicate intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or an error in dating, warranting an ultrasound for further evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core of the question: It asks for the anatomical location of the uterine fundus at a specific gestational age (24 weeks).
Recognize this as a factual recall question based on standard obstetric knowledge.
Mentally review the key milestones of fundal height progression during pregnancy.
Compare each option to the known landmarks: 16 weeks (halfway to umbilicus), 20-22 weeks (at umbilicus), 36 weeks (at xiphisternum).
Evaluate the options. At 24 weeks, the fundus is at the level of the umbilicus. Option B is the closest description.
Select the option that most accurately reflects the fundal height for 24 weeks of gestation.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Fundal height measurement and its correlation with gestational age.
Stem keywords: 24th week, pregnancy, fundus of the uterus, level
Lead-in keywords: at the level of
Clinical cues: Gestational age of 24 weeks is the key parameter for determining the expected anatomical location of the uterine fundus.

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 15-23

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 199-201

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.