A nurse is assessing a client who has placenta previa and is receiving fetal monitoring.
Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?
Variable decelerations.
Painless vaginal bleeding.
Rigid abdomen.
Uterine tachysystole.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression, not placenta previa. In placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervical os, but it does not typically cause
variable decelerations on fetal monitoring.
Choice B rationale
Painless vaginal bleeding is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. This occurs because the placenta is located near or over the cervical os, leading to bleeding when the cervix dilates
or effaces.
Choice C rationale
A rigid abdomen is more indicative of placental abruption, where the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall, causing pain and a tense abdomen, not typically seen in
placenta previa.
Choice D rationale
Uterine tachysystole is characterized by excessive uterine contractions and is not a clinical finding related to placenta previa. Tachysystole often results from excessive oxytocin use
or other uterine stimulants.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Meconium stools are common in newborns and not a concern in the context of weight loss.
Choice B rationale
Depressed fontanels can indicate dehydration in a newborn, which is critical, especially with significant weight loss.
Choice C rationale
Rust-stained urine is often due to urate crystals and is typical in newborns, not specifically alarming.
Choice D rationale
Overlapping suture lines can be a normal finding in a newborn's head and not indicative of an acute problem relating to weight loss.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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Preterm Labor Risk: At 32 weeks of gestation, regular contractions every 5 minutes could indicate the onset of preterm labor. This is concerning because preterm labor can lead to preterm birth, which poses significant risks to the baby's health and development.
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Frequency and Intensity: These contractions are occurring frequently (every 5 minutes) and are described as stronger than usual Braxton Hicks contractions. This frequency and the strength of the contractions are unusual for Braxton Hicks, which are typically irregular and less intense.
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Effacement and Cervical Changes: Although the cervix is closed, it is 80% effaced. Effacement means the cervix is thinning, which, in combination with regular contractions, may indicate that the body is preparing for labor.
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Urinary Leakage: The client also reported urinary leakage earlier in the day, which could be a sign of ruptured membranes (water breaking). This, combined with regular contractions, increases the need for careful monitoring.