The antepartum nurse has just received shift report on four pregnant clients at 0700.
Which of the clients should the nurse assess first?
G5 P2202, 32 weeks, placenta previa, today's hemoglobin 11.6 g/dL.
G2 P0101, 39 weeks, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), fasting blood glucose.
G1 P0000, 32 weeks, partial placental abruption, fetal heart rate (FHR) 120 bpm 15 minutes ago.
G2 P1001, 28 weeks, Rh-negative (Rh-), 1 day post cerclage placement.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The hemoglobin level of 11.6 g/dL is within the normal range for a pregnant woman. While placenta previa requires monitoring, it is not immediately life-threatening.
Choice B rationale
Type 2 diabetes mellitus requires regular monitoring and management, but a single fasting blood glucose level does not indicate an immediate emergency unless it is extremely high or low.
Choice C rationale
Partial placental abruption can lead to significant complications for both the mother and fetus, including hemorrhage and fetal distress, making it the priority for immediate assessment.
Choice D rationale
An Rh-negative status and a recent cerclage placement are important for ongoing monitoring but do not present an immediate life-threatening condition that demands the first assessment.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Bleeding is typically not associated with a vaginal hematoma; it is more indicative of other postpartum complications such as uterine atony or retained placenta fragments.
Choice B rationale
Warmth is usually associated with infection or inflammation. A hematoma is a collection of clotted blood outside the blood vessels, not typically characterized by warmth.
Choice C rationale
Redness might be seen in cases of infection or inflammation. A vaginal hematoma is a localized collection of blood and does not inherently cause redness.
Choice D rationale
Pain is a common symptom of a vaginal hematoma due to the pressure and swelling from the accumulated blood.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking blood sugar is important in gestational diabetes but isn't immediate priority in a triage setting compared to assessing urgent conditions that could harm the fetus or mother immediately.
Choice B rationale
Assessing vaginal blood loss post-abortion is crucial, but in the presence of ruptured membranes, fetal heart rate checks take precedence to ensure the fetus's immediate well-being.
Choice C rationale
Assessing patellar reflexes in pre-eclampsia management is significant, but immediate priority in labor and delivery triage goes to ensuring fetal safety after membrane rupture.
Choice D rationale
Checking the fetal heart rate after membrane rupture is a priority because it provides immediate information about the fetus's status and any potential complications like cord prolapse or distress.