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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Severe nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, are more commonly associated with high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and are not specific to
ectopic pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
While vaginal bleeding can occur in an ectopic pregnancy, it is usually not a large amount. The bleeding in ectopic pregnancy tends to be light and irregular.
Choice C rationale
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is typically associated with conditions like molar pregnancy, not ectopic pregnancy, as the pregnancy is located outside
the uterus.
Choice D rationale
Unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain is a classic symptom of ectopic pregnancy as the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube, causing
localized pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Prophylactic treatment for cytomegalovirus during pregnancy isn't generally recommended. CMV detection should lead to close monitoring rather than prophylactic treatment, as
current treatments pose risks without guaranteed efficacy.
Choice B rationale
Avoiding cat litter is crucial during pregnancy to prevent toxoplasmosis infection, which can cause severe fetal harm, including hydrocephalus, mental disabilities, and seizures, by
transferring through contact with cat feces.
Choice C rationale
While avoiding crowded places can reduce general infection risks, it is not specifically associated with preventing TORCH infections. TORCH infections refer to a set of perinatal infections that pose particular risks to fetal health.
Choice D rationale
Rubella immunization should be done before pregnancy, not during, as live vaccines carry risks. A woman should confirm immunity before conception to protect against congenital rubella syndrome.