A nurse in Labor and Delivery is caring for a client who just experienced SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes) after her epidural. The client immediately states she is short of breath. The nurse lays the patient back and places oxygen on her when the client goes into complete cardiorespiratory failure.
The nurse should recognize that this client is experiencing which of the following obstetrical emergencies?
Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy.
Abruptio placentae.
Uterine rupture.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (also known as amniotic fluid embolism) occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream, triggering
a serious reaction. It can cause sudden shortness of breath, cardiovascular collapse, and other severe symptoms immediately after a rupture of membranes and is a rare but critical
obstetrical emergency.
Choice B rationale
Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which leads to bleeding and potential fetal and maternal distress. However, it does not
typically present with sudden cardiorespiratory collapse or shortness of breath immediately following membrane rupture.
Choice C rationale
Uterine rupture refers to a tear in the wall of the uterus, usually due to trauma, labor stress, or previous surgical scars. While it is a severe condition, it usually presents with
abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and fetal distress rather than sudden respiratory failure.
Choice D rationale
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition affecting blood clotting processes, often secondary to other conditions like severe preeclampsia, sepsis, or trauma. It
generally presents with bleeding and clotting issues but not sudden respiratory or cardiovascular collapse.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Accelerations are increases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) above the baseline, typically in response to fetal movement or uterine contractions. They indicate a healthy, well-oxygenated
fetus and are not consistent with the described pattern of decelerations.
Choice B rationale
Late decelerations are characterized by a gradual decrease in FHR that begins after the contraction has started, with the lowest point of the deceleration (nadir) occurring after the
peak of the contraction. They are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia, which is not described in the scenario.
Choice C rationale
Early decelerations are a gradual decrease in FHR that mirrors the contraction, starting with the contraction and returning to baseline as the contraction ends. The nadir of the
deceleration occurs at the peak of the contraction, which fits the pattern described.
Choice D rationale
Variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in FHR that can occur at any time during the contraction cycle, usually due to umbilical cord compression. They are not uniform in
relation to contractions and can vary in duration, depth, and timing, unlike the described pattern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
External fetal monitors are non-invasive and do not pose a risk of transmitting HIV from mother to baby. They are considered safe for monitoring fetal well-being in an HIV-positive mother.
Choice B rationale
Administering antiviral medication is essential in reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. It's a standard care practice for managing HIV-positive pregnant women.
Choice C rationale
Preparing for a caesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of vertical transmission of HIV during delivery, especially if the viral load is high.
Choice D rationale
Internal fetal scalp electrodes are contraindicated because they can create a portal for HIV transmission from mother to baby through small abrasions or punctures on the fetal scalp.