A nurse is using Nägele’s Rule to calculate the expected delivery date of a client who reports that the first day of her last menstrual cycle was July 28th.
Which of the following dates should the nurse document as the client’s expected delivery date?
A.
April 21st.
B.
May 5th.
C.
May 21st.
D.
April 4th.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the expected delivery date (EDD) using Nägele’s Rule, follow these steps:
- Start with the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP).
- In this case, the LMP is July 28th.
- Add one year to the year of the LMP.
- For July 28th, 2023, adding one year gives 2024.
- Subtract three months from the month of the LMP.
- July is the 7th month of the year. Subtracting three months gives April.
- Add seven days to the day of the LMP.
- Starting from July 28th and adding seven days results in August 4th. However, we need to consider the change in the year.
Combining all the steps, the expected delivery date (EDD) can be calculated as follows:
- First Day of Last Menstrual Period (LMP): July 28, 2023
- Add One Year: July 28, 2024
- Subtract Three Months: April 28, 2024
- Add Seven Days: May 5, 2024
So, the correct expected delivery date is May 5th.
Explanation:
Nägele’s Rule is a standard method for calculating the EDD, primarily used in obstetrics. It assumes a 28-day menstrual cycle and a typical 40-week gestation period. By adding one year, subtracting three months, and adding seven days to the LMP, this rule helps estimate the due date accurately.
In this scenario, starting from July 28th, the adjustment of subtracting three months shifts the date to April 28th, and adding seven days results in May 5th. This method accounts for the standard 280-day (40 weeks) gestational period.
Hence, the correct option is:
B. May 5th.