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 their abdomen is rigid. The nurse should identify these findings as indicating which of the following complications?
Placental abruption
Uterine rupture
Placenta previa
Amniotic fluid embolus
The Correct Answer is A
A. Placental abruption: Placental abruption is characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery of the fetus. Sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate to severe vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and uterine rigidity are classic signs and symptoms of placental abruption. Hypotension may occur due to hemorrhage, leading to decreased perfusion to vital organs.
B. Uterine rupture: Uterine rupture involves a tear in the uterine wall, which can lead to severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of shock. However, uterine rupture typically occurs during labor or delivery, particularly in women with a history of uterine surgery or trauma.
C. Placenta previa: Placenta previa is characterized by the implantation of the placenta over or near the internal cervical os. It can cause painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, particularly after 20 weeks of gestation. However, it is not typically associated with severe abdominal pain or uterine rigidity.
D. Amniotic fluid embolus: An amniotic fluid embolus occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the maternal circulation, leading to a potentially life-threatening reaction. Symptoms may include sudden dyspnea, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). While it can cause severe complications, the symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with placental abruption.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Contact precautions are used for infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the client or their environment. Examples include MRSA, C. difficile, and other multidrug-resistant organisms.
B. Airborne precautions are used for infections transmitted by small droplets that remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled. Examples include tuberculosis (TB), measles, and chickenpox (varicella).
C. Protective environment precautions are typically used for clients with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing stem cell transplants, to protect them from environmental pathogens.
D. Droplet precautions are used for infections transmitted by large respiratory droplets that can travel up to approximately 3 feet. Examples include bacterial meningitis, influenza, and pertussis. Therefore, the nurse should initiate droplet precautions for the school-age child with bacterial meningitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "A health care surrogate must be a family member.": This statement is incorrect. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or agent, does not necessarily have to be a family member. It can be any individual chosen by the client to make health care decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
B. "The client can resume control of health care after a temporary loss of competency.": This statement demonstrates an understanding of advance directives. Advance directives allow individuals to maintain control over their health care decisions by specifying their preferences for treatment or appointing a surrogate decision-maker. If a client experiences a temporary loss of competency, they can regain control of their health care decisions once competency is restored.
C. "The provider will choose a client's health care surrogate.": This statement is incorrect. It is the responsibility of the client to choose their health care surrogate. While healthcare providers may provide guidance and information about advance directives, they do not choose the surrogate for the client.
D. "The provider can go against the client's wishes regarding advance directives.": This statement is incorrect. Advance directives are legally binding documents that express a client's wishes regarding medical treatment. Healthcare providers are generally obligated to follow the directives outlined in these documents, and they cannot go against the client's wishes unless certain legal exceptions apply, such as emergency situations where immediate action is required to preserve life.
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