A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labour 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.
Uterine rupture.
Umbilical cord prolapse.
Placenta previa.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but serious complication during labor or immediately after delivery, where amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream and cause a severe reaction. While it may present with sudden and severe symptoms, such as hypotension and respiratory distress, it does not typically cause uterine rupture.
Choice B rationale:
Uterine rupture is a life-threatening emergency that can occur during labor, especially in women with previous uterine surgeries or trauma. The sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, cool skin, and pallor could indicate internal bleeding and shock, which are consistent with uterine rupture. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing suggests fetal distress due to compromised blood flow.
Choice C rationale:
Umbilical cord prolapse is another obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and gets compressed during labor, leading to fetal distress. It may cause variable decelerations in fetal heart rate, but it does not explain the maternal symptoms described in the scenario, such as the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor.
Choice D rationale:
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, and it can lead to painless vaginal bleeding. While it can cause fetal distress, it does not explain the maternal symptoms like the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing is more suggestive of uterine rupture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. “The nurse should measure the newborn’s muscle tone when assigning an Apgar score.”
Choice A rationale:
The Apgar score is determined at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, not at 2 and 7 minutes.
Choice B rationale:
An Apgar score of 8 indicates that the newborn is in good health, not severe distress. Scores of 7-10 are considered normal.
Choice C rationale:
Resuscitation efforts should not be delayed until the first Apgar score is obtained. Immediate resuscitation is initiated if needed, regardless of the Apgar score.
Choice D rationale:
Muscle tone is one of the five criteria assessed in the Apgar score, along with appearance, pulse, grimace, and respiration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Single palmar creases.
Choice A rationale:
Rust-stained urine is typically due to urate crystals and is common in newborns. It usually resolves on its own and is not a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale:
Single palmar creases can be associated with certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome. This finding should be reported to the provider for further evaluation.
Choice C rationale:
Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a common finding in newborns due to the pressure changes during delivery. It usually resolves without intervention and is not typically a cause for concern.
Choice D rationale:
Transient circumoral cyanosis is often seen in newborns and can occur when the baby is crying or feeding. It usually resolves on its own and is not typically a cause for concern.
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