A nurse is caring for a client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and is experiencing continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. The client has a history of cocaine use. The nurse should identify that the client is likely experiencing which of the following complications?
Abruptio placentae.
Hydatidiform mole.
Preterm labor.
Placenta previa.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding in a client with a history of cocaine use are indicative of abruptio placentae. Abruptio placentae is a medical emergency where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery, leading to severe bleeding and abdominal pain. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.
Choice B rationale:
Hydatidiform mole is a gestational trophoblastic disease that occurs due to an abnormal pregnancy. It is not associated with continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Instead, clients with this condition often present with vaginal bleeding and a grape-like cluster of cysts in the uterus.
Choice C rationale:
Preterm labor involves regular uterine contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation. While preterm labor can cause abdominal discomfort, it is not usually described as continuous abdominal pain. Vaginal bleeding is not a typical symptom of preterm labor.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the opening of the cervix. It can cause painless vaginal bleeding, but it is not usually associated with continuous abdominal pain. Clients with placenta previa often experience sudden, painless bleeding later in pregnancy.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
During the transition phase of labor, the nurse should encourage the client to use a pant- blow breathing pattern. The transition phase is intense, and pant-blow breathing (a form of controlled breathing) can help the client manage the pain and reduce anxiety. Panting during contractions allows the client to focus on short, shallow breaths, which can be more effective than deep breathing during this stage.
Choice A rationale:
Assisting the client to void every 3 hours is important during labor, but it is not specific to the transition phase. The nurse should encourage the client to void regularly during the entire labor process to prevent bladder distension and facilitate the descent of the baby. However, during the transition phase, the client may be more focused on contractions and may not need reminders to void every 3 hours.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring contractions every 30 minutes is not appropriate during the transition phase of labor. The transition phase is characterized by frequent and strong contractions, and continuous monitoring of contractions is usually required during this phase to ensure fetal well-being and progress in labor.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the client into a lithotomy position is not appropriate during the transition phase of labor. The lithotomy position, where the client lies on their back with legs raised and supported in stirrups, is often used during the pushing phase. During the transition phase, it is more common for the client to be in an upright or semi-reclining position to facilitate the descent of the baby through the birth canal.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should report a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 35 mg/dL to the provider. BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood and is used to assess kidney function. An elevated BUN can indicate impaired renal function, which is a concern in preeclampsia, as it may signify reduced blood flow to the kidneys.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 15 mg/dL is within the normal range for pregnancy (normal range: 11-15 g/dL), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
Choice C rationale:
Bilirubin level of 0.6 mg/dL is within the normal range (normal range: 0.2-1.3 mg/dL), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
Hematocrit (Hct) level of 37% is within the normal range for pregnancy (normal range: 33- 45%), so there is no need to report it to the provider.
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