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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Massaging the fundus can help contract the uterus and reduce bleeding. Ensuring IV access is crucial for administering medications rapidly. Methylergonovine (Methergine) and oxytocin help stimulate uterine contractions and reduce postpartum hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening.
Choice B rationale
Administering pain medication might be necessary, but it doesn't address the immediate issue of uterine atony and hemorrhage. Surgical intervention is a last resort and should be prepared for only if medical management fails.
Choice C rationale
Reassessing vital signs and monitoring is important, but it doesn't provide an immediate solution to the bleeding and uterine atony. Immediate action to contract the uterus is crucial.
Choice D rationale
Contacting the attending physician is important, but immediate intervention to stop the bleeding and address uterine atony is critical to prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Blood pressure of 160/110 indicates severe preeclampsia and warrants immediate intervention to prevent complications. Stopping oxytocin is part of the management of severe
preeclampsia to avoid exacerbating the condition.
Choice B rationale
Frequency of contractions every 3 minutes is within the normal range during labor induction and does not warrant stopping the infusion unless there are other concerns.
Choice C rationale
A fetal heart rate of 155 bpm with early decelerations may require close monitoring but does not necessarily warrant stopping the oxytocin infusion. Early decelerations are typically a
normal physiological response.
Choice D rationale
Frequency of contractions every 3 minutes is expected during active labor and is generally not a cause to stop the oxytocin infusion. The nurse should continue to monitor the labor
progression closely.