Assessing the Fundic Height

Instruction:  Check under Correctly Done if identified skill is correctly performed; Incorrectly Done if
skill is not performed correctly; and Not Done if the student failed to perform the skill.
  Correctly Incorrectly Not Done

Procedure Done Done

2 1 0
1. Identify the patient and obtain consent.      
2. Explain the purpose of the procedure and answer any      
questions.
1.    Encourage the woman to empty her bladder if she has      
not done so in the last 30 minutes
2.    Perform hand hygiene.      
3.    Help the patient undress if needed and provide a patient      
gown. Assist the patient to a supine position with her legs
extended and expose the abdomen.
Rationale:  While not the preferred position for most women,
a supine position has been found to yield least variation in
measurements.
4.    Consider placing a wedge under the right buttock if the      
gravid uterus is of a size likely to compromise maternal
and/or fetal circulation.
Rationale: An enlarged uterus can compress the inferior
vena cava and the lower aorta leading to maternal
supine hypotension and reduced utero-placental blood
flow which can cause fetal compromise
5.    Ensure hands are clean and warm.      
Rationale:  Warm hands minimize maternal discomfort
and potential for inducing contraction of the uterus.
6.    Place the zero mark of the tape measure at the      
uppermost border of the uterine fundus. Run the tape
measure along the midline of the woman’s abdomen to the
uppermost border of the symphysis pubis. (To locate the
fundus the hand is moved down the abdomen below the
xiphisternum until the curved upper border of the fundus
is felt.)
7.    Replace the patient’s gown and assist the patient to a      
comfortable position.
8.    Document the distance in centimeters and compare with      
the calculated gestation
9.    Perform hand hygiene.      

Comment:
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Score: _____________________
 
 
Name of Student:                                                           Date Performed:                      
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Evaluated by:                                                                  Date of Evaluation:                 

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