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
Precipitous labor is a rapid labor that typically lasts less than 3 hours. While it can result in trauma and complications, it does not inherently increase the risk for an operative delivery,
which is more often related to other factors like fetal distress or failure to progress.
Choice B rationale
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a significant concern with precipitous labor due to the rapid and forceful contractions that can cause uterine atony, leading to increased bleeding
after birth.
Choice C rationale
In a precipitous labor, the rapid delivery can cause vaginal lacerations, not a decreased risk. The swift passage of the baby through the birth canal increases the risk of tears and
trauma.
Choice D rationale
Neonatal sepsis is related to infections acquired during delivery but is not specifically linked to the speed of labor. The primary concern in precipitous labor is maternal trauma and
hemorrhage, not infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A maternal blood pressure of 128/88 mm Hg is within normal limits for a pregnant woman. Regular monitoring is necessary, but no immediate follow-up is required unless symptoms
of preeclampsia appear.
Choice B rationale
A fetal heart rate baseline of 115 bpm is within the normal range (110-160 bpm). This does not require immediate follow-up and is a reassuring sign of fetal well-being.
Choice C rationale
A maternal heart rate of 128 bpm is elevated (tachycardia) and may indicate distress, infection, dehydration, or other underlying conditions. This requires immediate follow-up to identify and address the cause.
Choice D rationale
A maternal respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not require immediate follow-up.