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 C
Explanation
A. Hazelnuts: While hazelnuts are a common allergen, they are not typically associated with cross-sensitivity to latex. Therefore, further assessment for cross-sensitivity to hazelnuts is not necessary based solely on the child's latex allergy.
B. Almonds: Similar to hazelnuts, almonds are a common allergen but are not typically associated with cross-sensitivity to latex. Therefore, further assessment for cross-sensitivity to almonds is not necessary based solely on the child's latex allergy.
C. Bananas: Bananas are one of the most common foods associated with latex allergy cross-sensitivity. Many individuals with latex allergy may also experience allergic reactions to bananas due to shared allergenic proteins. Therefore, further assessment for cross-sensitivity to bananas is warranted in this case.
D. Strawberries: While strawberries are a common allergen, they are not typically associated with cross-sensitivity to latex. Therefore, further assessment for cross-sensitivity to strawberries is not necessary based solely on the child's latex allergy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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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