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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Umbilical cord compression typically results in variable decelerations in the fetal heart rate, not moderate variability or regular accelerations. It can lead to changes in fetal heart rate
patterns, but not regular mild contractions.
Choice B rationale
Dysfunctional labor refers to an abnormal labor pattern, including irregular uterine contractions. The described symptoms fit this condition, as they can cause mild pain and be
managed by ambulation, showers, and rest.
Choice C rationale
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, leading to fever, uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling amniotic fluid, not mild contractions and moderate
variability in FHR.
Choice D rationale
Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy can cause fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath but does not affect uterine contractions or fetal heart rate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placenta formation begins shortly after implantation, but it continues to develop throughout the first trimester and into the early second trimester, making it less precise to attribute the
first 8 weeks solely to this process.
Choice B rationale
Fertilization occurs within the first week after ovulation, marking the beginning of pregnancy, but it is a singular event that happens prior to the developmental processes vulnerable to teratogens.
Choice C rationale
Organogenesis is the critical period during which the major organs and structures of the fetus form, typically occurring between the third and eighth weeks of gestation. This is the
time when the fetus is most susceptible to the effects of teratogens, which can cause congenital anomalies.
Choice D rationale
Implantation occurs approximately 6-10 days after fertilization, embedding the blastocyst into the uterine lining. While crucial, it is not the primary period when teratogenic effects are
most significant, as this happens during organogenesis.