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A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and experiences abruptio placenta.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A.

Hypertension.

B.

Uterine tenderness.

C.

Fetal tachycardia.

D.

Leukorrhea.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice B rationale:
Uterine tenderness is a common symptom of abruptio placentae.
Choice C rationale:
Fetal tachycardia is not a typical symptom of abruptio placentae. 
Choice D rationale:
Leukorrhea is not associated with abruptio placentae.

The most likely finding the nurse should expect in a client experiencing abruptio placenta during labor is:

b. Uterine tenderness.

Here's why:

  • Hypertension (a): While preeclampsia can increase the risk of abruptio placenta, it's not always present, and hypertension wouldn't be the immediate expected finding during the abruption event itself.
  • Fetal tachycardia (c): This can occur in early stages of abruption to compensate for decreased oxygen supply, but as the abruption becomes more severe, fetal bradycardia is more likely due to oxygen deprivation.
  • Leukorrhea (d): This is a white vaginal discharge and has no connection to abruptio placenta.

Uterine tenderness is a characteristic sign of abruptio placenta due to bleeding behind the placenta and irritation of the uterine muscle. This is often accompanied by:

  • Vaginal bleeding (bright red or dark)
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Sudden, ongoing uterine tightening or irritability
  • Fetal distress (decreased fetal heart rate movements)

Therefore, option b is the most expected finding in this scenario.

Remember: Early recognition and prompt management of abruptio placenta are crucial for optimal outcomes for both mother and baby. If you suspect abruptio placenta, immediate medical attention is essential.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
A feeling of vaginal fullness is not a therapeutic effect of oxytocin. It could indicate a vaginal hematoma or retained placental fragments.
Choice B rationale:
The client’s fundus is firm and midline. This is the expected therapeutic effect of oxytocin. It stimulates uterine contractions to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
Choice C rationale:
Saturating a perineal pad in 1 hr could indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which is not a therapeutic effect of oxytocin.
Choice D rationale:
The client’s umbilical cord lengthening is not related to oxytocin administration. It could indicate placental separation.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Nägele’s Rule is a standard way of calculating the due date for a pregnancy. The rule estimates the expected date of delivery (EDD) by adding one year, subtracting three months, and adding seven days to the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP).

So, if the last menstrual cycle started on June 21, here’s how you calculate:

  • Subtract 3 months from June 21, which gives you March 21.
  • Add 7 days to March 21, which gives you March 28.
  • Add 1 year to the current year.

So, the estimated date of delivery in the next year would beMarch 28.

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