A nurse is assessing a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and reports sudden, severe abdominal pain with moderate vaginal bleeding and persistent uterine contractions.
The client's blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg, and her abdomen is rigid.
The nurse should identify these findings as indicating which of the following complications?
Uterine rupture.
Placental abruption.
Placenta previa.
Amniotic fluid embolus.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Uterine rupture typically presents with intense, constant abdominal pain and signs of shock. However, the absence of visible bleeding in the abdominal cavity makes this choice less likely in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. The sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and signs of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure, rigid abdomen) are indicative of placental abruption. This condition requires immediate medical intervention due to the risk of fetal and maternal compromise.
Choice C rationale:
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening. It typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The severe abdominal pain described in the scenario is inconsistent with placenta previa.
Choice D rationale:
Amniotic fluid embolus is a rare and life-threatening condition in which amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction. It can lead to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Although it can cause respiratory distress and hypotension, it does not usually present with severe abdominal pain or uterine contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement, "I can expect my eyelids to be bruised after this procedure," indicates an understanding of the common side effects of cataract removal surgery. Bruising around the eyes is a common occurrence due to the manipulation of tissues during the procedure.
Choice B rationale:
The statement, "I will see dark spots in my vision after this procedure," is incorrect. Dark spots in vision are not a normal or expected outcome of cataract removal surgery. This statement shows a misunderstanding of the procedure.
Choice C rationale:
The statement, "I will receive general anesthesia for this procedure," is incorrect. While anesthesia is administered during the procedure, specifying the type of anesthesia is not crucial for the client's understanding of the surgery itself. The focus should be on the procedure details rather than the type of anesthesia.
Choice D rationale:
The statement, "I know the provider will replace the lens in my eyes during this procedure," indicates a clear understanding of the cataract removal procedure. The main goal of cataract surgery is to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens, improving the patient's vision. This statement demonstrates the client's comprehension of the surgery process.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Oliguria. This is incorrect because oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload.
- B. Bradycardia. This is incorrect because bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not a typical sign of fluid volume overload, unless the client has a cardiac condition that affects the heart's response to fluid overload.
- C. Dyspnea. This is correct because dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common sign of fluid volume overload, as excess fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
- D. Poor skin turgor. This is incorrect because poor skin turgor, or decreased elasticity of the skin, is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload.
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