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?
Maternal hypertension.
Maternal cocaine use.
Maternal cigarette smoking.
Maternal battering.
The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice A, Maternal hypertension.
Choice A rationale:
Maternal hypertension is widely recognized as the most common risk factor for placental abruption. High blood pressure can cause the placenta to detach from the uterine wall, leading to abruption. In summary, while all the listed factors can contribute to the risk of placental abruption, maternal hypertension stands out as the most common cause, supported by multiple health sources. It’s important for nurses to recognize and manage hypertension in pregnant clients to minimize the risk of this serious complication.
Choice B rationale:
While maternal cocaine use is a significant risk factor for placental abruption due to its vasoconstrictive effects, which can compromise the placental blood flow, it is not as common as maternal hypertension.
Choice C rationale:
Maternal cigarette smoking is also a risk factor for placental abruption. Smoking can lead to a variety of complications in pregnancy, including placental problems, but again, it is less common than hypertension as a cause for abruption.
Choice D rationale:
Maternal battering can lead to trauma which may result in placental abruption. However, it is not considered the most common risk factor when compared to maternal hypertension.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Vaginal hematoma is not a common complication in the 4th stage of labor. This stage primarily involves the recovery and stabilization of the mother after delivery.
Choice B rationale:
Hypoglycemia is not a typical complication in the 4th stage of labor. While blood glucose levels might be monitored during labor, the risk of hypoglycemia is generally higher in neonates, especially if the mother has diabetes.
Choice C rationale:
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, typically diagnosed during labor or shortly after delivery. It is not specific to the 4th stage of labor.
Choice D rationale:
Uterine hemorrhage is the most significant concern during the 4th stage of labor, also known as the "postpartum”. or "recovery”. stage. It refers to excessive bleeding from the site where the placenta detached. This bleeding can be life-threatening if not managed promptly.
Choice E rationale:
Dehiscence is the separation of surgical incisions, which is not a common complication during the 4th stage of labor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The priority nursing action after an amniotomy is to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. While evaluating the client for signs of infection is important, it is not the immediate priority. Infection can be a concern after any invasive procedure, but checking the fetal heart rate pattern takes precedence to assess the baby's condition immediately after the amniotomy.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the fetal heart rate pattern is the priority because it helps to monitor the baby's well-being and detect any signs of fetal distress. Amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the amniotic membrane, and it can sometimes lead to changes in the baby's heart rate, which may indicate distress or other complications. Identifying and addressing these changes
promptly is crucial for the baby's safety.
Choice C rationale:
Observing the color and consistency of amniotic fluid is essential to assess for any abnormalities or meconium staining, which could indicate fetal distress or potential issues. However, this action should follow the immediate concern of checking the fetal heart rate pattern since fetal distress takes priority over amniotic fluid characteristics.
Choice D rationale:
Taking the client's temperature is important, but it is not the priority immediately after an amniotomy. Monitoring the client's temperature is a routine nursing action to detect any signs of infection. However, the priority in this situation is to ensure the baby's well-being through fetal heart rate assessment.
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