A nurse is assessing a postpartum client who delivered vaginally 8 hr ago.

Exhibit 1. Nurses' Notes.

0700:. Exhibit 2. Breasts soft, nipples intact.

Uterus palpated firm, midline, and at level of umbilicus.

Moderate amount of lochia rubra.

Episiotomy site well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis.

Client reports pain as 2 on a scale of 0 to 10. Able to void spontaneously; no bladder distention.

Deep tendon reflexes 1+. Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.

1100:. Breasts soft, nipples intact.

Uterus palpated soft with lateral deviation and 1 cm above the umbilicus.

Large amount of lochia rubra.

Episiotomy site well approximated with mild edema and ecchymosis.

Client reports pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Deep tendon reflexes 1+. Peripheral edema 2+ in bilateral lower extremities.

Vital Signs.

0700:. Temperature 36.2° C (97.2° F). Pulse rate 80/min.

Respiratory rate 16/min.

Blood pressure 136/82 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry 999%. 1100:. Temperature 37.2° C (99.0° F). Pulse rate 85/min.

Respiratory rate 18/min.

Blood pressure 136/86 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry 100%. Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice B rationale:
Uterine tenderness is a common symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice C rationale:
Fetal tachycardia is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice D rationale:
Leukorrhea is not associated with abruptio placentae.

The most likely finding the nurse should expect in a client experiencing abruptio placenta during labor is:

b. Uterine tenderness.

Here's why:

• Hypertension (a):While preeclampsia can increase the risk of abruptio placenta,it's not always present,and hypertension wouldn't be the immediate expected finding during the abruption event itself.
• Fetal tachycardia (c):This can occur in early stages of abruption to compensate for decreased oxygen supply,but as the abruption becomes more severe,fetal bradycardia is more likely due to oxygen deprivation.
• Leukorrhea (d):This is a white vaginal discharge and has no connection to abruptio placenta.

Uterine tenderness is a characteristic sign of abruptio placenta due to bleeding behind the placenta and irritation of the uterine muscle. This is often accompanied by:

• Vaginal bleeding (bright red or dark)
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Sudden, ongoing uterine tightening or irritability
• Fetal distress (decreased fetal heart rate movements)

Therefore, option b is the most expected finding in this scenario.

Remember: Early recognition and prompt management of abruptio placenta are crucial for optimal outcomes for both mother and baby. If you suspect abruptio placenta, immediate medical attention is essential.

Choice A rationale:
The client is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, and the nurse should first collect hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to assess the extent of blood loss.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the immediate priority. It may be done later to monitor fluid balance.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to assess the extent of blood loss first.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing the client to receive a plasma expander is important, but it’s not the first action. The nurse needs to assess the extent of blood loss first.