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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Step 1 is: 12 mg ÷ 6 mg/ml.
Step 2 is: 12 ÷ 6 = 2 ml. Answer: 2 ml
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A rapid pulse is not typically associated with magnesium toxicity. Magnesium toxicity more commonly affects the nervous and muscular systems.
Choice B rationale
Tingling in toes can be a sign of early magnesium sulfate effects but not necessarily toxicity. It may indicate that the medication is starting to affect the nervous system.
Choice C rationale
Cool skin temperature is not a common sign of magnesium toxicity. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity are more related to neuromuscular and respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Absent deep tendon reflexes are a key indicator of magnesium toxicity. This finding suggests that magnesium levels are high enough to depress neuromuscular function, requiring immediate medical intervention. .