Height of fundus is midway between umbilicus and xiphisternum at :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

During pregnancy, the height of the uterine fundus is measured to assess fetal growth and confirm gestational age.
At approximately 30 weeks of gestation, the top of the fundus reaches the midpoint between the umbilicus and the xiphisternum (the lower tip of the sternum).
This progression is a key component of antenatal assessment, often following McDonald's rule where fundal height in centimeters roughly equals the weeks of gestation after 20 weeks.

Option B: At 28 weeks, the fundal height is lower, typically at the junction of the lower and middle thirds of the distance between the umbilicus and xiphisternum.
Option C: At 26 weeks, the fundus is just superior to the umbilicus, but it has not yet reached the midway point to the xiphisternum.
Option D: At 24 weeks of gestation, the fundal height is typically at the level of the umbilicus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Correlation of fundal height with gestational age as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Fundal height measurement is a non-invasive, simple, and essential screening tool in antenatal care to monitor fetal growth and well-being.
A significant discrepancy between the measured fundal height and the expected gestational age (more than 2-3 cm difference) can indicate potential problems such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), macrosomia, multiple gestation, or incorrect dating of the pregnancy, warranting further investigation with ultrasound.
What if? If at 30 weeks the fundal height was at the xiphisternum (the 36-week level), it would be considered large for gestational age. The nurse should suspect conditions like polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancies, or a macrosomic fetus and refer for an ultrasound evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests knowledge of obstetric landmarks.
First, identify the key anatomical points mentioned in the question: 'umbilicus' and 'xiphisternum'.
Next, identify the specific location asked for: 'midway' between these two points.
Recall the standard progression of fundal height during pregnancy.
Mentally (or by sketching) map the fundal height at key weeks: 24 weeks (umbilicus), 36 weeks (xiphisternum).
Evaluate the options provided (24, 26, 28, 30 weeks) to see which one corresponds to the 'midway' point in the established progression.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q8LkHLPanEkeyHeB5BFYWI

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur pp. 50-60, 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. Nsg. Entrance-2025

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