A nurse is caring for a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and diagnosed with placenta previa. The client asks the nurse why the provider does not do an internal examination. Which of the following explanations of the primary reason should the nurse provide?
"This could result in profound bleeding."
"This could initiate preterm labor."
"There is an increased risk of rupture of the membranes."
"There is an increased risk of introducing infection."
The Correct Answer is A
Explanation:
A. "This could result in profound bleeding."
This is the correct explanation. Placenta previa involves the placenta partially or completely covering the cervix. Performing an internal examination, such as a vaginal exam, can disrupt the placenta and lead to severe bleeding. This bleeding can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, making it a critical concern to avoid internal exams in placenta previa cases.
B. "This could initiate preterm labor."
While internal examinations may trigger preterm labor in some cases, the primary concern in placenta previa is the risk of significant bleeding. Preterm labor is not typically the primary reason for avoiding internal exams in placenta previa; instead, the focus is on preventing bleeding and its associated complications.
C. "There is an increased risk of rupture of the membranes."
While an internal examination may carry a risk of membrane rupture, especially in situations with low-lying placenta or marginal previa, the primary concern in placenta previa is the potential for severe bleeding if the placenta is disturbed. Rupture of membranes is a consideration but is not the main reason for avoiding internal exams in placenta previa.
D. "There is an increased risk of introducing infection."
While infection is a concern with any invasive procedure, including internal examinations, it is not typically the primary reason for avoiding internal exams in placenta previa. The main focus is on preventing bleeding complications that can arise from disrupting the placenta.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Prepare the abdominal and perineal areas: While preparing the abdominal and perineal areas may be necessary for potential interventions, such as a cesarean section or vaginal examination, it is not the priority at this moment.
B. Witness the signature for informed consent for surgery: Obtaining informed consent for surgery is important, especially if surgical intervention is anticipated. However, the priority in this case is to stabilize the client's condition and address the potential causes of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding.
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be beneficial for monitoring urinary output and assessing fluid status. However, it is not the immediate priority compared to addressing the client's vital signs and managing potential causes of bleeding.
D. Initiate IV access: This is the correct answer. Given the client's large amount of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding, the priority is to establish IV access to administer fluids and possibly blood products if there is evidence of hypovolemia or hemorrhage. IV access will also allow for the administration of medications or other interventions as needed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Pattern of contractions: While the pattern of contractions is important in assessing labor progress, it alone may not differentiate between true labor and false labor (also known as Braxton Hicks contractions). True labor contractions typically become longer, stronger, and more frequent over time, but other factors must also be considered to confirm true labor.
B. Rupture of the membranes: Rupture of the membranes (water breaking) can occur during both true labor and false labor. However, it is not a definitive sign of true labor on its own, as it can also happen spontaneously or due to other reasons.
C. Changes in the cervix: This is the correct answer. True labor is characterized by progressive changes in the cervix, including effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening). These changes can be confirmed through a cervical examination performed by a healthcare provider.
D. Station of the presenting part: The station of the presenting part refers to the position of the baby's head in relation to the mother's pelvis. While the station can provide information about the progress of labor, it is not a specific sign of true labor by itself.
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