A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has suspected placenta previa. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor the client?

Choice A rationale:

Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding at 36 weeks gestation is indicative of placenta previa. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to bleeding as the cervix begins to efface and dilate. The bright red color of the blood is due to its fresh origin from the exposed placental vessels. This condition is painless because the bleeding occurs without uterine contractions.

Choice B rationale:

Preterm labor is not the correct answer in this scenario. Preterm labor refers to the onset of regular uterine contractions leading to cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation. In this case, the key indicator is painless bleeding, which is not associated with uterine contractions.

Choice C rationale:

Threatened abortion is also not the correct answer. Threatened abortion is the term used when a pregnant woman experiences vaginal bleeding, but the cervix is closed, indicating that there is still a chance for the pregnancy to continue. However, the bleeding in placenta previa is unrelated to fetal viability and is specifically caused by the placental position.

Choice D rationale:

Abruptio placentae is not the correct answer either. Abruptio placentae, also known as placental abruption, is a condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall before delivery. This can cause painful bleeding due to the blood being trapped between the placenta and uterine wall. In the given scenario, the bleeding is described as painless, which does not align with the characteristics of abruptio placentae.

Choice A rationale:
0.25 mL - The nurse should not administer 0.25 mL because the available concentration of vitamin K injection is 1 mg/0.5 mL. To achieve the prescribed dose of 1 mg, administering only 0.25 mL would be insufficient.
Choice B rationale:
0.5 mL - This is the correct choice. The nurse should administer 0.5 mL of the vitamin K injection to deliver 1 mg of vitamin K, as the concentration of the injection is 1 mg/0.5 mL. By giving the full 0.5 mL, the newborn will receive the appropriate 1 mg dose.
Choice C rationale:
0.75 mL - Administering 0.75 mL would be excessive for the prescribed 1 mg dose of vitamin K. It is unnecessary to give a higher volume than required, as it could lead to potential adverse effects or wastage.
Choice D rationale:
1 mL - Similarly, administering the entire 1 mL of the vitamin K injection would result in doubling the prescribed dose, leading to potential overdose and adverse reactions. The nurse should avoid administering more than the necessary 0.5 mL.