A gravid patient in labor suddenly has dyspnea, hypotension, frothy sputum, and loss of consciousness.
The nurse knows these are signs and symptoms of which obstetrical emergency?
Placental abruption.
Uterine rupture.
Uterine inversion.
Anaphylactoid syndrome (previously called amniotic fluid embolism).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Placental abruption involves the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery, causing bleeding, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness. It does not typically cause dyspnea, hypotension, frothy sputum, or loss of consciousness.
Choice B rationale
Uterine rupture is a tear in the uterine wall, often in a scarred uterus. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, abnormal fetal heart rate, and vaginal bleeding. It can cause shock, but not frothy sputum or sudden dyspnea.
Choice C rationale
Uterine inversion occurs when the uterus turns inside out, often during placental delivery. It leads to pain, hemorrhage, and shock. Like uterine rupture, it does not cause frothy sputum or sudden dyspnea.
Choice D rationale
Anaphylactoid syndrome (amniotic fluid embolism) occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulation, causing an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms include sudden dyspnea, hypotension, frothy sputum, and loss of consciousness, fitting the scenario described.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placental abruption is characterized by abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and uterine tenderness. It does not cause dyspnea, hypotension, frothy sputum, or loss of consciousness.
Choice B rationale
Uterine rupture typically presents with severe abdominal pain, abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, and vaginal bleeding. Shock can occur, but not frothy sputum or sudden dyspnea.
Choice C rationale
Uterine inversion leads to pain, hemorrhage, and shock. It does not present with frothy sputum or sudden dyspnea.
Choice D rationale
Anaphylactoid syndrome (amniotic fluid embolism) results from amniotic fluid entering maternal circulation, causing an anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms include sudden dyspnea, hypotension, frothy sputum, and loss of consciousness, matching the described scenario. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vaginal hematomas are usually associated with severe pain due to the accumulation of blood in the tissues.
Choice B rationale
Bleeding might be visible, but hematomas often cause internal accumulation, not external bleeding.
Choice C rationale
Warmth is not typically associated with hematomas; instead, pain and swelling are more common.
Choice D rationale
Redness may occur, but pain is the most consistent symptom.