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A nurse is caring for a client.

Exhibits

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with placenta previa or abruptio placenta. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process or none at all. There must be at least 1 selection in every column. There does not need to be a selection in every row.

A.

Pain score

B.

Vaginal bleeding characteristics

C.

Hematocrit

D.

Abdominal assessment

E.

Hemoglobin

F.

Blood pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A,B"},"F":{"answers":"A,B"}}

Assessment findings

Placenta previa

Abruptio placenta

Pain score

 

✅

Vaginal bleeding characteristics

 

✅

Hematocrit

✅

✅

Abdominal assessment

 

✅

Hemoglobin

✅

✅

Blood pressure

✅

✅

Rationale:

Pain: The client has abdominal pain, rated 7/10, which is sharp and associated with uterine hypertonicity and tenderness in the left upper quadrant. Placenta previa typically presents with painless bleeding and minimal to no abdominal pain, while abruptio placenta involves severe pain due to placental separation.

Vaginal bleeding: Dark red vaginal bleeding was reported. Placenta previa results in painless bright red bleeding, while abruptio placenta presents with dark red bleeding often accompanied by clots and associated pain.

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is 8.1 g/dL, which is low (normal range: 12 to 16 g/dL), indicating blood loss or hemorrhage. Both conditions can lead to low hematocrit and hemoglobin, but abruptio placenta may cause more significant blood loss, leading to a greater decrease in these values.

Hematocrit: The hematocrit is 24%, which is also low (normal range: 36% to 47%), further suggesting blood loss. Both conditions can lead to low hematocrit and hemoglobin, but abruptio placenta may cause more significant blood loss, leading to a greater decrease in these values.

Abdominal assessment: Placenta previa tends to show a soft abdomen with no tenderness, while abruptio placenta causes rigid, board-like abdominal muscles with tenderness, often localized.

Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is 95/62 mm Hg, which is on the lower side but not critically low. Placenta previa typically has normal or slightly low blood pressure, while abruptio placenta can cause hypotension due to significant blood loss and shock.

Fetal Heart Rate: FHR is 116/min, with minimal variability noted, which may indicate fetal distress which can be seen in both conditions.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","F","G","H"]

Explanation

Frequent episodes of apnea, responds to tactile stimuli: Apnea in a neonate, especially one born preterm (at 34 weeks gestation), is not uncommon but should be carefully monitored. However, frequent apnea episodes may indicate an underlying respiratory issue, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or an infection. Apnea that requires tactile stimuli to resolve should be followed up with further assessment and possibly intervention.

Substernal retractions and nasal flaring: These are signs of respiratory distress. Substernal retractions and nasal flaring indicate the neonate is working harder to breathe, which may point to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or other respiratory compromise. Close monitoring and follow-up are necessary to assess the neonate's respiratory status and oxygenation.

Respiratory rate of 70/min: This is on the higher end for a neonate and may indicate respiratory distress or compensation for oxygenation issues. Close monitoring is required.

Temperature of 36.3 °C (97.3 °F): While this temperature is within the normal range for a neonate, it is on the lower end of the spectrum. Neonates, especially preterm ones, are at risk for hypothermia. The neonate is on a radiant warmer, which suggests that there may still be concerns regarding temperature regulation. This needs to be monitored closely to ensure proper thermal regulation.

Increased abdominal circumference by 1 cm (0.4 in): An increase in abdominal circumference can be a sign of feeding intolerance, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or other gastrointestinal issues. It is important to continue monitoring for other signs of NEC or abdominal distension, which can indicate the need for intervention.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are important but not the focus in Alzheimer’s care unless anemia is suspected.

B. Liver function tests are not typically monitored unless the client is on hepatotoxic medications.

C. Kidney function tests are essential if there are concerns about hydration or medication clearance but are not routine in Alzheimer's care.

D. Monitoring serum sodium and potassium is critical as imbalances can lead to confusion, agitation, and worsening cognitive symptoms.

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