Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

Effective fundal massage is a critical component of postpartum care that plays a significant role in uterine involution and the prevention of complications. When performed correctly, fundal massage stimulates the uterus to contract, which helps reduce the risk of uterine atony. Uterine atony occurs when the muscles of the uterus do not contract effectively, leading to excessive bleeding—often referred to as postpartum hemorrhage.

By promoting stronger contractions in the uterus, fundal massage directly contributes to controlling bleeding after delivery. This makes reduction of uterine atony and bleeding the anticipated and desired outcome of the procedure. Therefore, when fundal massage is effective, it is likely to enhance the overall stability of the mother postpartum by minimizing blood loss and promoting a smoother recovery.

While other outcomes, such as changes in appetite or blood pressure, might be observed in postpartum women for various reasons, they are not direct or expected results of performing fundal massage. The focus of fundal massage is specifically on encouraging uterine contractions and mitigating the risk of hemorrhage, which is why the highlighted outcome is so crucial in postpartum management.