A nurse in the antepartum unit is assisting with the care of a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and reports continuous abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleedinG. The tocodynamometer shows low amplitude high frequency uterine activity. The nurse should identify that the client is likely experiencing which of the following complications? (Select onE.:

Choice A: Prolapsed cord is not a likely complication, as it is characterized by a sudden onset of severe variable decelerations of the fetal heart rate and a visible or palpable cord in the vaginA. The nurse should identify a prolapsed cord as a medical emergency and perform immediate interventions to relieve the cord compression and deliver the fetus.

Choice B: Premature rupture of membranes is not a likely complication, as it is characterized by a gush or a trickle of clear or yellowish fluid from the vagina and a positive nitrazine or fern test. The nurse should identify premature rupture of membranes as a risk factor for infection and monitor the fetal heart rate and the maternal temperaturE.

Choice C: Abruptio placentae is a likely complication, as it is characterized by continuous abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleeding and a board-like abdomen. The nurse should identify abruptio placentae as a life-threatening condition that involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and can cause fetal distress and maternal hemorrhagE.

Choice D: Placenta previa is not a likely complication, as it is characterized by painless bright red vaginal bleeding and a soft and relaxed uterus. The nurse should identify placenta previa as a condition that involves the abnormal implantation of the placenta near or over the cervical os and can cause fetal hypoxia and maternal hemorrhagE.