Identify two priority nursing assessments for a patient undergoing a cesarean delivery.

• A. Check blood glucose and hydration
• B. Monitor leg circulation only
• C. Fundus check and lochia with incision monitoring; respiratory status after anesthesia
• D. Evaluate daily weight

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is post-op safety priorities after cesarean delivery: preventing hemorrhage from uterine atony and ensuring wound integrity, while also protecting the patient’s airway and breathing after anesthesia.

Two key assessments after a cesarean are: checking the fundus and assessing lochia along with inspecting the incision, plus evaluating the patient’s respiratory status following anesthesia. Why these are most important: the uterus needs to involute and stay firm to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. A firm, midline fundus indicates the uterus is contracting well; if the fundus is boggy, massage and further assessment are needed promptly to stop bleeding. Lochia helps you gauge the amount and pattern of vaginal bleeding, which signals whether hemorrhage is occurring. Inspecting the incision is essential to detect early signs of wound complications such as infection, hematoma, or dehiscence, which can impact recovery and safety. At the same time, anesthesia can depress respiratory drive, so monitoring respiratory rate, depth, oxygen saturation, and breath sounds ensures the airway is protected and gas exchange remains adequate during the immediate recovery period.

Other options don’t address these immediate safety risks as directly. Glucose and hydration are important in certain conditions, but they don’t reflect the acute post-op hemorrhage risk and wound surveillance. Leg circulation and daily weight are less urgent priorities right after cesarean compared with ensuring uterine tone, bleeding control, incision integrity, and respiratory safety.