help on this OB assessment question

[jy4d8]

1. The nurse is caring for a client in labor. The nurse palpates a firm, round

form in the uterine fundus, small parts on the woman's R side and a long,

smooth, curved section on the L side. Based on these findings, the nurse

should anticipate auscultating the fetal heart in which of the following

locations?

A). L side below the umbilicus

B). L by the umbilicus

C). R below the umbilicus

D). R by the umbilicus

The answer Kaplan gives is A. However, I think B is right as the fetus is at breech. Anyone helps me out? Thanks!

[Jolie, BSN]

I can certainly see where one could conclude that -- sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between head and butt. But I guess the vast majority of baby butts I have palpated have been must more "irregular" feeling than heads, and not as hard and round. The question could have been written more clearly by simply adding "ballotable" to the description. That would have clearly indicated a head rather than a butt.

Valerie

Another thought:

If the round, firm form in the uterine fundus is the head, and the baby's back is on mom's left, then one would expect to auscultate FHTs in the LUQ, which isn't a choice.

So I'm guessing that the question is meant to be vague as to the fetal part that is being palpated at the fundus, and the test taker is supposed be able to determine the fetal body part based upon the possible locations of FHT given.

I agree it's poorly worded, but it is definitely an NCLEX-style question.