A nurse in the antepartum unit is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has preeclampsia. Suddenly, the client reports continuous severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The nurse should suspect which of the following complications?
Prolapsed cord.
Abruptio placentae.
Placenta previa.
Incompetent cervix.
Incompetent cervix.
The Correct Answer is B
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
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with preeclampsia. In fact, hyperreflexia or increased deep tendon reflexes might be observed due to central nervous
system irritability in preeclampsia.
Choice B rationale
Uterine contractions are related to labor and not a specific indicator of preeclampsia. While they might occur simultaneously, they are not diagnostic of preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale
Proteinuria, the presence of excess protein in the urine, is a key diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. It indicates kidney involvement and is used along with elevated blood pressure to diagnose this condition.
Choice D rationale
Increased blood glucose levels are associated with gestational diabetes rather than preeclampsia. Elevated blood pressure and proteinuria are the hallmarks of preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering the rubella vaccine during pregnancy, including the third trimester, is contraindicated due to the risk of live vaccine transmission to the fetus. It is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Advising the client to get the vaccine during her next pregnancy attempt is partly correct but lacks the immediacy needed to ensure she is immune before the next pregnancy. The vaccine should be given postpartum.
Choice C rationale
Administering the vaccine immediately during pregnancy is contraindicated due to potential risks to the fetus. Rubella vaccines contain live virus, which can cause fetal harm if given during pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
It is safest to administer the rubella vaccine postpartum, prior to hospital discharge, to ensure the client has immunity before any future pregnancies. This timing prevents any risk to the current fetus and ensures future fetal protection. .