A nurse is preparing to perform Leopold maneuvers on a pregnant client at weeks of gestation to assess fetal position and presentation. In what order should the nurse perform the assessment steps? Arrange the actions in the correct sequence.
- 1Palpate the uterine fundus to determine which fetal part occupies the upper pole.
- 2Palpate the lateral sides of the maternal abdomen to locate the fetal back and extremities.
- 3Grasp the lower uterine segment just above the symphysis pubis to identify the presenting part.
- 4Face the client's feet and palpate toward the pelvic inlet to determine fetal attitude and descent.
Answer
The correct sequence for Leopold maneuvers is to first palpate the fundus, then palpate the lateral sides of the abdomen, followed by grasping the lower uterine segment, and finally facing the client's feet to palpate the pelvic inlet.
Leopold maneuvers must be performed in a specific, standardized sequence to systematically identify fetal position. The sequence logically begins at the top of the uterus (fundal grip) while facing the client's head, moves to the sides (lateral grip), progresses to grasping the lower uterus (Pawlik's grip), and concludes by the nurse turning to face the client's feet to assess the pelvic inlet (pelvic grip).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Leopold maneuvers are a systematic, four-step method of abdominal palpation used to determine fetal lie, presentation, position, and attitude during the antepartum period.