A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. Does the nurse recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for a placental abruption?

Choice C rationale:

This response is correct because black stools are a common side effect of taking iron supplements. Iron can cause the stool to appear black or

tarry due to the way it is broken down during digestion. It does not necessarily indicate a serious issue, especially if the client is not experiencing any abdominal pain or cramping. Educating the client about this expected side effect helps alleviate any concerns they might have about the change in stool colour.

Choice A rationale:

"Go to the emergency room and your provider will meet you there.”. This response is not appropriate in this situation. The client's report of black stools without abdominal pain or cramping is likely due to the iron supplements and does not warrant a visit to the emergency room. This response may cause unnecessary panic and anxiety for the client.

Choice B rationale:

"What else have you been eating?.”. This response is also not the best choice. While it's essential for healthcare providers to gather comprehensive information about a client's diet and lifestyle, in this case, the client's black stools can be directly attributed to the iron supplements. Focusing on other dietary factors might distract from addressing the client's concern about the side effect of iron supplementation.

Choice D rationale:

"Come to the office, and we will check things out.”. This response is not the most appropriate one either. A visit to the office might not be necessary solely based on the client's report of black stools without accompanying pain or cramping. This situation can be managed through education, and the client can be reassured that it is a typical side effect of iron supplements. An unnecessary visit to the office could inconvenience the client and waste both their time and the healthcare provider's time.

Choice A rationale :

Prepare for cesarean birth. The nurse should consider preparing for a cesarean birth as the client is at 39 weeks of gestation and has heavy vaginal bleeding. Heavy vaginal bleeding during pregnancy could indicate an emergency situation such as placental abruption or placenta previa, both of which can be life-threatening for the mother and the baby. In such cases, an emergency cesarean birth might be necessary to ensure the safety of both the client and the baby. Promptly preparing for the procedure will help expedite the process and prevent any delays in providing necessary medical care.

Choice B rationale

Initiate an IV infusion of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is not indicated in this situation. Magnesium sulfate is commonly used in obstetrics, particularly in the management of preeclampsia and eclampsia to prevent seizures. However, the client's heavy vaginal bleeding suggests a different issue and magnesium sulfate would not address the underlying cause. Instead, the focus should be on identifying and managing the cause of the bleeding to ensure the best outcome for the client and the baby.

Choice C rationale

Administer antibiotics. Administering antibiotics is not the priority action in this scenario. Heavy vaginal bleeding in a pregnant client requires immediate attention to assess the cause and determine the appropriate course of action. While antibiotics may be necessary in some situations, they are not the first-line treatment for heavy vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. The nurse should focus on providing prompt and appropriate care to address the client's immediate needs.

Choice D rationale

Request the RN to perform a cervical examination. Performing a cervical examination may provide valuable information about the cause of the heavy vaginal bleeding. It can help determine if the bleeding is related to cervical changes, such as cervical dilation or effacement. The findings from the cervical examination, along with other assessments, will aid in making the most appropriate decisions regarding the client's care. However, it is not the only action that the nurse should take. In this critical situation, the nurse must prioritize immediate interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and the baby.