During Leopold maneuvers, the nurse palpates the fundal region of the uterus. This is best described as which maneuver?

The correct answer is the first maneuver in Leopold's maneuvers, which involves palpating the fundal region of the uterus. This step is crucial as it helps determine the fetal presentation, specifically whether the fundus is filled with the fetal head (cephalic presentation) or buttocks (breech presentation). By palpating the surface of the fundus, the nurse can identify the general shape (consistency) and the presentation of the fetus, which are essential for planning further assessment and management during labor. This maneuver sets the groundwork for the subsequent steps, which involve determining the location of the back and limbs, as well as the descent of the presenting part.