When performing an examination of a woman who is 34 weeks' pregnant, the nurse notices a midline linear protrusion in the abdomen over the area of the rectus abdominis muscles as the woman raises her head and shoulders off of the bed

Question

Which response by the nurse is correct?
a. The presence of diastasis recti should be documented.
b. This condition should be discussed with the physician because it will most likely need to be surgically repaired.
c. The possibility that the woman has a hernia attributable to the increased pressure within the abdomen from the pregnancy should be suspected.
d. The woman should be told that she may have a difficult time with delivery because of the weakness in her abdominal muscles.

Answer 1

ANS: A
The separation of the abdominal muscles is called diastasis recti and frequently occurs during pregnancy. The rectus abdominis muscles will return together after pregnancy with abdominal exercise. This condition is not a true hernia.