Lipos can be confusing - there are at least 2 voltages tossed around that can confuse. When lipo is talked about - the 3.7v, 7.4v, 11.1v - that the "nominal" voltage and its mainly used just to compare. The fully charged lio cell voltage is 4.2v. SOme chargers will let you charge to 4.24v or so, but most chargers charge close to 4.2v/cell. The 2S then is 8.4v, 3S - 12.6v and so on. There is also a minimum voltage as well (~3v/cell).

I've read nominal voltage is supposed to be the voltage of a charged cell under load.

3.8v is a partial charge and new lipos usually come partially charged.