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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Striae gravidarum are stretch marks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, or thighs during pregnancy. They are caused by the tearing of the connective tissue in the dermis due to rapid growth or weight gain.
Choice B: Linea nigra is a dark vertical line that runs from the umbilicus to the pubic area. It is caused by increased melanin production due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. This is the correct choice because it matches the description in the question.
Choice C: Vascular spiders are dilated blood vessels that appear on the skin as red or purple spider-like lesions. They are caused by increased estrogen levels and blood volume during pregnancy. They are usually found on the face, neck, chest, or arms.
Choice D: Melasma is a condition that causes brown or gray patches on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, nose, or upper lip. It is caused by increased melanin production due to sun exposure and hormonal changes during pregnancy. It is also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy.
