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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Prolapsed cord involves the umbilical cord descending into the birth canal ahead of the fetus, which is a critical emergency but presents differently, typically with changes in fetal
heart rate and the cord being palpable or visible.
Choice B rationale
Abruptio placentae is characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and is a medical
emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent maternal and fetal complications.
Choice C rationale
Placenta previa involves the placenta partially or completely covering the cervical opening, which can cause painless vaginal bleeding but does not typically present with severe
abdominal pain.
Choice D rationale
Incompetent cervix is associated with painless cervical dilation and potential preterm labor but not typically with severe abdominal pain and acute vaginal bleeding as seen with
abruptio placentae
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Blue coloring of the hands and feet in an 8-hour-old newborn (acrocyanosis) is a common, benign finding as the newborn’s circulatory system adjusts post-birth. It does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Small raised pearly spots on the nose (milia) are harmless and common in newborns. They do not necessitate any intervention.
Choice C rationale
An apical heart rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for newborns and does not require intervention.
Choice D rationale
Nasal flaring and grunting are signs of respiratory distress in a newborn. This condition demands immediate intervention to ensure the newborn’s airway is clear and breathing is adequately supported.