A nurse is assessing a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

Which of the following findings can indicate cervical insufficiency?

Preeclampsia.Preeclampsia is a condition that can cause placental abnormalities that can lead to pre-term labor.Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation.

Preeclampsia can affect the blood flow to the placenta and cause placental insufficiency, which is a reduced ability of the placenta to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.Placental insufficiency can trigger pre-term labor as a way of protecting the fetus from further hypoxia and growth restriction.

Choice A. Diabetes mellitus is wrong because diabetes mellitus does not directly cause placental abnormalities

The client should limit their physical activity and stress as much as possible, as these are risk factors for pre-term labor.

Some additional explanations are:

• Choice A is correct because smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of pre-term labor and birth, as well as other complications for the mother and the baby.

• Choice B is correct because any signs of vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage can indicate a problem with the pregnancy, such as placenta previa or premature rupture of membranes, which can lead to pre-term labor and birth.

The client should report these symptoms to their provider immediately.

• Choice D is correct because drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet can help prevent dehydration and malnutrition, which can also contribute to pre-term labor and birth.The client should also avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and foods that may cause foodborne illness.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.Pre-term labor is defined as regular contractions that result in the opening of the cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy.Pre-term birth is the delivery of a baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy.