How should a nurse palpate uterine contractions effectively?

To effectively palpate uterine contractions, placing one hand on the abdomen and using the fingertips allows the nurse to assess the strength, frequency, and duration of the contractions more accurately. The fingertips can provide a more sensitive touch, enabling the nurse to detect the firmness of the uterus as it contracts. This technique is particularly useful because it helps differentiate between the tone of the uterus when it is at rest and when it is contracting, giving a clearer indication of the contraction intensity.

Additionally, this method allows the nurse to assess the contractions without applying excessive pressure that could hinder the ability to evaluate the contraction effectively. By using one hand, the nurse can maintain stability while ensuring that the assessment is focused on the appropriate area of the abdomen. Other methods, like using both hands, could complicate the assessment and lead to inaccurate readings of contraction strength. Pressing hard with the palm may cause discomfort for the patient and does not offer the same degree of precision, while merely observing the abdomen provides no tactile feedback regarding the contractions.