A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for abruption?
Cigarette smoking
Hypertension
Blunt force trauma
Cocaine use
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
This is incorrect because cigarette smoking is not the most common risk factor for abruption. Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of abruption by causing vasoconstriction and reducing placental blood flow, but it is less prevalent and less severe than hypertension.
Choice B rationale
This is correct because hypertension is the most common risk factor for abruption. Hypertension can cause damage to the uterine vessels and lead to bleeding and separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. Hypertension affects about 40% of clients who experience abruption and can be chronic or pregnancy-induced.
Choice C rationale
This is incorrect because blunt force trauma is not the most common risk factor for abruption. Blunt force trauma can cause abruption by applying direct pressure or shear force to the placenta, but it is less common and less predictable than hypertension. Blunt force trauma can result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or physical abuse.
Choice D rationale
This is incorrect because cocaine use is not the most common risk factor for abruption. Cocaine use can increase the risk of abruption by causing vasoconstriction and uterine contractions, but it is less common and less consistent than hypertension. Cocaine use can also cause other complications, such as fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, or stillbirth.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This is correct because a frank breech position is when the fetus's buttocks are presenting at the cervix and the legs are extended upward toward the head. The fetal heart tones would be located above the umbilicus at midline, as the nurse observed.
Choice B rationale
This is incorrect because a cephalic position is when the fetus's head is presenting at the cervix and the body is aligned with the maternal spine. The fetal heart tones would be located below the umbilicus, either on the right or left side, depending on the fetal position.
Choice C rationale
This is incorrect because a posterior position is when the fetus's back is facing the maternal spine and the occiput is toward the sacrum. The fetal heart tones would be located below the umbilicus, either on the right or left side, depending on the fetal position.
Choice D rationale
This is incorrect because a transverse position is when the fetus's spine is perpendicular to the maternal spine and the shoulder is presenting at the cervix. The fetal heart tones would be located in the upper quadrants, either on the right or left side, depending on the fetal position.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
As labor begins, the cervix starts to soften, shorten and thin (efface). This process is often expressed in percentages¹. This is a sign of true labor².
Choice B rationale
The station of the presenting part refers to the position of the baby's head in relation to the mother's pelvis. While it can indicate progress in labor, it is not a definitive sign of true labor.
Choice C rationale
Rupture of the membranes, or water breaking, can occur before or during labor. However, it is not a reliable sign of true labor as it can also occur in preterm labor or even without contractions.
Choice D rationale
The pattern of contractions can be a sign of labor. True labor contractions are regular, increase in intensity, and do not ease up with change in activity or position². However, contractions alone are not a definitive sign of true labor as they can also occur in false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions).
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