A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who is suspected of having a hydatidiform mole. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe in this client?

Choice A reason: Preeclampsia is not the correct answer, as it is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema. Preeclampsia can be a risk factor for abruptio placentae, which is a premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, but it is not a complication of it. Preeclampsia does not cause petechiae or bleeding around the IV access site, but rather headaches, blurred vision, or epigastric pain.

Choice B reason: Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy is not the correct answer, as it is a rare and fatal condition that occurs when the amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulation and causes an allergic reaction. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy can occur as a complication of abruptio placentae, but it is not indicated by the petechiae or bleeding around the IV access site. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy would cause respiratory distress, hypotension, or cardiac arrest.

Choice C reason: Puerperal infection is not the correct answer, as it is a bacterial infection of the reproductive tract that occurs after childbirth. Puerperal infection can occur as a complication of abruptio placentae, but it is not indicated by the petechiae or bleeding around the IV access site. Puerperal infection would cause fever, foul-smelling lochia, or pelvic pain.

Choice D reason: Disseminated intravascular coagulation is the correct answer, as it is a coagulation disorder that causes widespread clotting and bleeding in the body. Disseminated intravascular coagulation can occur as a complication of abruptio placentae, and it is indicated by the petechiae and bleeding around the IV access site. Disseminated intravascular coagulation would also cause a low platelet count, a prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and a low fibrinogen level.

Choice A reason: Blunt force trauma is a possible risk factor for placental abruption, which is a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and causes bleeding, pain, and fetal distress. However, blunt force trauma is not the most common risk factor, as it accounts for only a small percentage of cases. The most common causes of blunt force trauma are motor vehicle accidents, falls, or domestic violence.

Choice B reason: Hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption, as it affects about 50% of cases. Hypertension can cause vasospasm and reduced blood flow to the placenta, which can weaken the attachment and lead to separation. Hypertension can be chronic, gestational, or related to preeclampsia.

Choice C reason: Gestational diabetes mellitus is not a risk factor for placental abruption, but rather a condition where the client develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and can cause complications, such as macrosomia, polyhydramnios, or neonatal hypoglycemia. Gestational diabetes mellitus does not affect the placental attachment or function.

Choice D reason: Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for placental abruption, as it can cause vasoconstriction and reduced oxygen delivery to the placenta, which can impair its growth and development. However, cigarette smoking is not the most common risk factor, as it affects about 25% of cases.