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: 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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because difficulty in arousing is a sign of magnesium toxicity, which is a serious complication of magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium toxicity can cause central nervous system depression, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest. The nurse should monitor the client's level of consciousness and stop the infusion if the client becomes lethargic or unresponsive.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because deep tendon reflexes 2+ indicate a normal and expected response to magnesium sulfate therapy. Magnesium sulfate is a muscle relaxant that can reduce the risk of seizures in gestational hypertension. The nurse should assess the client's deep tendon reflexes regularly and maintain them at 2+ or slightly diminished.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because urinary output of 30 mL per hour is below the normal range of 40 to 80 mL per hour and may indicate renal impairment or dehydration. Magnesium sulfate can cause renal toxicity or fluid retention, which can affect the urinary output. The nurse should monitor the client's urinary output and fluid balance and report any abnormalities to the doctor.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory rate of 10 breaths/minute is below the normal range of 12 to 20 breaths/minute and may indicate respiratory depression. Magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression or failure, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate and oxygen saturation and administer oxygen or antidote if needed.