A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and reports sudden, severe lower abdominal pain. The nurse observes a drop in the client's blood pressure and notes cool skin and pallor. The fetal heart rate tracing shows prolonged bradycardia. Which of the following complications should the nurse suspect?
Amniotic fluid embolism
Umbilical cord prolapse
Uterine rupture
Placenta previa
The Correct Answer is C
Uterine rupture. The sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock such as cool skin and pallor all point to a potential intra-abdominal hemorrhage most likely due to Uterine rupture. Additionally, the prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing indicates that the baby may be experiencing fetal distress due to a compromised blood supply. Amniotic fluid embolism triggers an allergic reaction, causing a sudden onset of respiratory distress, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Option D, placenta previa, occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment, partially or completely covering the cervical os. This can lead to painless vaginal bleeding but typically does not present with sudden, severe abdominal pain or signs of shock.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: Uterine tenderness. Endometritis is an infection of the endometrial lining of the uterus. Uterine tenderness is a common finding in clients with endometritis.
Choice A, scant lochia, and choice D, WBC count 9,000/mm², are not typical findings in clients with endometritis. Choice B, temperature 37.4° C (99.3° F), is within the normal range and may not be indicative of endometritis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
. The nurse should report cervical dilation to the provider as an indication of an imminent spontaneous abortion. Cervical dilation is a sign of cervical incompetence and can lead to spontaneous abortion. Scant, bright red spotting is a common finding in early pregnancy and may not indicate an imminent spontaneous abortion. Slight abdominal cramps can also be a normal finding in early pregnancy. Elevated hcG levels can indicate a viable pregnancy.
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