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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A newborn who is 26 hours post-delivery and has had no urine output needs immediate attention. Lack of urine output for over 24 hours may indicate dehydration or renal issues. Immediate medical evaluation is required to identify underlying conditions and prevent complications such as acute kidney injury or sepsis.
Choice B rationale
Acrocyanosis, characterized by blueish discoloration of the extremities, is common in newborns during the first 24-48 hours of life and usually resolves on its own. It occurs due to immature blood circulation and is generally not a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
Failure to pass meconium within the first 24 hours can be a sign of conditions like Hirschsprung's disease or cystic fibrosis, but it is not as immediately concerning as anuria (no urine output). Monitoring and further evaluation are necessary, but it does not require urgent provider notification.
Choice D rationale
A blood glucose level of 50 mg/dL in a newborn is within the lower limit of normal. While it's important to monitor, it does not necessitate immediate provider notification unless it continues to drop or other symptoms arise.
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.