A nurse suspects that a pregnant client may be experiencing placenta abruption based on assessment of which finding? Select all that apply.
Absence of pain
Insidious onset
Dark red vaginal bleeding
Rigid uterus
Correct Answer : C,D,E
Choice A: Absence of pain is not a sign of abruptio placenta. Abruptio placenta is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, causing bleeding and pain. The pain is usually severe and constant.
Choice B: Insidious onset is not a sign of abruptio placenta. Abruptio placenta is usually a sudden and acute event that occurs in the third trimester or during labor.
Choice C: Dark red vaginal bleeding is a sign of abruptio placenta. The bleeding is caused by the rupture of blood vessels between the placenta and the uterus. The blood may be dark red because it is old or clotted.
Choice D: Rigid uterus is a sign of abruptio placenta. The uterus becomes hard and tense as a result of the bleeding and contraction of the uterine muscles. This can impair the blood flow to the fetus and cause fetal distress.
Choice E: Absent fetal heart tones is a sign of abruptio placenta. The loss of blood and oxygen to the fetus can cause fetal death or stillbirth. Fetal heart tones can be detected by using a Doppler device or a fetoscope.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen of some pregnant women. It is caused by increased melanin production and usually fades after delivery.
Choice B Reason: Pica is a condition in which a person has an abnormal desire to eat substances that are not food, such as ice, clay, dirt, or chalk. It is more common in pregnant women and may indicate a deficiency in iron or other nutrients.
Choice C Reason: Ballottement is a technique of palpating a floating structure by bouncing it gently and feeling it rebound. In obstetrics, it can be used to detect the presence of the fetus by feeling its head move when the cervix is tapped.
Choice D Reason: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movements by the pregnant woman. It usually occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the number of pregnancies (gravida) and overestimates the number of preterm births (preterm). The client has had four pregnancies (twins count as one pregnancy), not three. The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two.
Choice B Reason: This option is correct because it accurately reflects the client's obstetric history. GTPAL stands for Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, and Living children. Gravida is the number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of outcome. Term is the number of pregnancies that ended at or beyond 37 weeks gestation. Preterm is the number of pregnancies that ended between 20 and 36 weeks gestation. Abortions are the number of pregnancies that ended before 20 weeks gestation, either spontaneously or induced. Living children are the number of children who are alive at present.
The client has had four pregnancies (gravida), one term birth (the son), one preterm birth (the twins), one abortion (the miscarriage), and three living children (the twins and the son).
Choice C Reason: This option is incorrect because it overestimates the number of preterm births (preterm) and underestimates the number of living children (living). The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two. The client has three living children (the twins and the son), not one.
Choice D Reason: This option is incorrect because it underestimates the number of pregnancies (gravida) and overestimates the number of abortions (abortions) and preterm births (preterm). The client has had four pregnancies (twins count as one pregnancy), not three. The client has had one abortion (the miscarriage), not two. The client has had one preterm birth (the twins), not two.
