A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the maternity unit at 38 weeks of gestation and who is experiencing polyhydramnios. The nurse should understand that this diagnosis means which of the following?

Choice A reason: Blunt force trauma is a possible risk factor for placental abruption, which is a condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and causes bleeding, pain, and fetal distress. However, blunt force trauma is not the most common risk factor, as it accounts for only a small percentage of cases. The most common causes of blunt force trauma are motor vehicle accidents, falls, or domestic violence.

Choice B reason: Hypertension is the most common risk factor for placental abruption, as it affects about 50% of cases. Hypertension can cause vasospasm and reduced blood flow to the placenta, which can weaken the attachment and lead to separation. Hypertension can be chronic, gestational, or related to preeclampsia.

Choice C reason: Gestational diabetes mellitus is not a risk factor for placental abruption, but rather a condition where the client develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy and can cause complications, such as macrosomia, polyhydramnios, or neonatal hypoglycemia. Gestational diabetes mellitus does not affect the placental attachment or function.

Choice D reason: Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for placental abruption, as it can cause vasoconstriction and reduced oxygen delivery to the placenta, which can impair its growth and development. However, cigarette smoking is not the most common risk factor, as it affects about 25% of cases.

Choice A reason: Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is an important intervention that can help the client to manage her physical recovery and her infant's needs, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.

Choice B reason: Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a priority action by the nurse, as it is essential to assess the client's risk of infanticide, which is the intentional killing of an infant by the mother. Asking the client if she has considered harming her newborn is a sensitive and difficult question, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the infant and the mother, and to provide appropriate interventions and referrals. The nurse should ask the question in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner, and validate the client's feelings and concerns.

Choice C reason: Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Assisting the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises is a helpful intervention that can enhance the client's resilience and self-efficacy, but it is not sufficient to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being.

Choice D reason: Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is not a priority action by the nurse, as it is not directly related to the client's emotional state or safety. Anticipating a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant is a possible intervention that can improve the client's mood and functioning, but it is not the only or the first option to address the client's symptoms of postpartum depression, which is a mood disorder that can affect the client's mental health and well-being. The nurse should collaborate with the provider and the client to determine the best treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, social support, or alternative therapies.