A nurse is caring for a client who is pregnant and has suspected placenta previa. Which of the following should the nurse monitor the client for?
Large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding
Severe pain with no bleeding
High-grade fever
Sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding is the cardinal sign of placenta previa. This is because the placenta is abnormally positioned low in the uterus, covering the cervix partially or completely. When the cervix starts to dilate in preparation for labor, it can detach from the uterine wall, leading to significant bleeding. The blood is typically bright red, indicating fresh bleeding, and can be painless.
Severity of bleeding: The amount of bleeding can vary from spotting to massive hemorrhage, and it may start suddenly or gradually. Even a small amount of bleeding can be a sign of placenta previa and should not be ignored.
Risks of hemorrhage: Prompt recognition and management of bleeding are crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening hemorrhage for both the mother and the fetus.
Choice B rationale:
Severe pain with no bleeding is not a typical presentation of placenta previa. While some women with placenta previa may experience mild abdominal pain or cramping, severe pain without bleeding is more suggestive of placental abruption, a condition where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall.
Choice C rationale:
High-grade fever is not a direct symptom of placenta previa. However, if a woman with placenta previa develops a fever, it could indicate an infection, which can further complicate the condition and require immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale:
Sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen can be a sign of placental abruption but is not characteristic of placenta previa.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A blood pressure of 100/60 is within the normal range and does not pose a contraindication to oral contraceptives. While hypertension (high blood pressure) can be a contraindication, a blood pressure of 100/60 is not considered hypertensive.
However, it's essential to monitor blood pressure regularly in individuals using oral contraceptives, as some may experience a slight increase in blood pressure.
Choice B rationale:
Age is a significant factor when considering oral contraceptive use.
Adolescents under 16 years of age are generally not recommended to use oral contraceptives due to several concerns: Their reproductive systems are still developing, and hormonal contraceptives could potentially disrupt normal growth and development.
Younger adolescents may have more difficulty adhering to a strict daily medication regimen, which is crucial for the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
They may be at a higher risk of certain side effects, such as irregular bleeding patterns and mood changes.
Acne treatment is often a primary reason for considering oral contraceptives in adolescents. However, alternative acne treatments that are more suitable for younger individuals are available.
Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 39 is within the normal range for females and does not contraindicate oral contraceptive use.
Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Oral contraceptives can sometimes cause slight changes in hematocrit levels, but these changes are typically not clinically significant.
Choice D rationale:
A menstrual cycle of 14 days is considered a normal variation and does not pose a contraindication to oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives can often regulate irregular menstrual cycles, so they may even be beneficial for individuals with shorter or longer cycles.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Maternal smoking is a major risk factor for low birth weight. Studies have consistently shown that infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely and have a lower birth weight compared to infants born to non-smoking mothers.
Nicotine, a primary component in cigarettes, is a vasoconstrictor that reduces blood flow to the placenta. This decreased blood flow can deprive the developing fetus of oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to impaired growth and development.
Carbon monoxide, another harmful substance in cigarette smoke, binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. This can also contribute to fetal hypoxia and growth restriction.
Smoking can also interfere with placental function, further compromising the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
Choice B rationale:
While some studies have suggested a possible link between maternal smoking and hyperactivity in children, the evidence is not conclusive. Further research is needed to establish a definitive association.
Choice C rationale:
There is no clear evidence to suggest that maternal smoking directly causes hypersensitivity to noise in newborns.
Choice D rationale:
Craniofacial abnormalities are not typically associated with maternal smoking. They are more commonly caused by genetic factors or exposure to certain medications or substances during pregnancy.
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