A nurse on the obstetric unit is caring for a client who experienced abruptio placentae. The nurse observes petechiae and bleeding around the IV access site. The nurse should recognize that this client is at risk for which of the following complications?
Preeclampsia
Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Puerperal infection
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: This is incorrect because preeclampsia is a condition characterized by hypertension, proteinuria, and edema that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. It is not related to abruptio placentae, which is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. Preeclampsia does not cause petechiae or bleeding around the IV site, but it may cause headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, or seizures.
Choice B: This is incorrect because anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, also known as amniotic fluid embolism, is a rare and life-threatening complication that occurs when amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulation and triggers an allergic reaction. It is not related to abruptio placentae, but it may occur during labor, delivery, or shortly after birth. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy does not cause petechiae or bleeding around the IV site, but it may cause respiratory distress, hypotension, cardiac arrest, or disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Choice C: This is the correct answer because disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition in which the blood clotting system is activated abnormally, leading to excessive clot formation and consumption of clotting factors and platelets. This results in bleeding from various sites, such as the IV site, gums, nose, or vagina. DIC is a common complication of abruptio placentae, as the release of thromboplastin from the placenta triggers the clotting cascade. DIC can also cause organ failure, shock, or death if not treated promptly.
Choice D: This is incorrect because puerperal infection, also known as postpartum infection, is a bacterial infection that affects the uterus, vagina, bladder, or wound site after childbirth. It is not related to abruptio placentae, but it may occur due to prolonged labor, cesarean delivery, retained placenta, or poor hygiene. Puerperal infection does not cause petechiae or bleeding around the IV site, but it may cause fever, malaise, foul-smelling lochia, or pelvic pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice a) Placenta previa is incorrect because this is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, which can cause painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester. It is not related to trauma and does not require hospitalization unless bleeding occurs.
Choice b) Dehydration is incorrect because this is a condition where the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. It is not a complication of pregnancy and can be prevented by drinking enough water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Choice c) Gestational hypertension is incorrect because this is a condition where the blood pressure rises above 140/90 mmHg after 20 weeks of pregnancy, which can cause complications such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. It is not caused by trauma and can be managed by regular antenatal care and medication if needed.
Choice d) Abruptio placentae is correct because this is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can cause severe vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, uterine contractions, and fetal distress. It is a life-threatening emergency that can be triggered by trauma and requires immediate delivery of the baby and treatment of shock and blood loss. Therefore, a woman who is 8 months pregnant and involved in a serious motor vehicle crash should be admitted to the hospital for observation for this complication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A) Increased urinary output: This is not a sign of sepsis in newborns. In fact, sepsis can cause reduced urinary output due to poor blood flow to the kidneys and dehydration.
Choice B) Hypothermia: This is a sign of sepsis in newborns. Sepsis can cause changes in temperature, often fever, but sometimes low temperature. Hypothermia can indicate a severe infection that affects the body's ability to regulate its temperature.
Choice C) Wakefulness: This is not a sign of sepsis in newborns. Sepsis can cause reduced activity and lethargy due to inflammation and organ dysfunction.
Choice D) Interest in feeding: This is not a sign of sepsis in newborns. Sepsis can cause reduced sucking and difficulty feeding due to poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.
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