A patient with no prenatal care is admitted to the labor and delivery unit.She is placed on an external fetal monitor, and an intravenous infusion is begun.
A tentative diagnosis of abruptio placentae is made.Which finding would support this diagnosis?

The correct answer is choice D. Gestational age of 35-38 weeks.

This is because preterm babies are more likely to develop jaundice due to their immature liver and increased breakdown of red blood cells.Babies born between 35 and 38 weeks are considered late preterm and have a higher risk of jaundice than full-term babies.

Choice A is wrong because African American ethnicity is not a risk factor for jaundice.In fact, Asian, European, or native American ethnicity are more associated with jaundice.

Choice B is wrong because meconium-stained amniotic fluid is not a risk factor for jaundice.

Meconium is the first stool of the baby and it may indicate fetal distress, but it does not affect the bilirubin level.

Choice C is wrong because bottle feeding is not a risk factor for jaundice.In fact, breastfeeding is more associated with jaundice due to dehydration and poor caloric intake.

Massaging the uterus helps it contract and prevent excessive bleeding after delivery.Uterine atony is a condition where the uterus does not contract enough to clamp the blood vessels that supply the placenta, leading to postpartum hemorrhage.Uterine massage is one of the interventions to treat uterine atony and restore uterine tone.

Choice A is wrong because having the client void frequently does not directly affect the uterine contraction.However, a full bladder can interfere with uterine contraction and cause displacement of the uterus, so it is important to monitor the bladder status and empty it as needed.

Choice C is wrong because having the client in a side-lying position for comfort does not help with uterine contraction.However, this position may be beneficial for other reasons, such as reducing edema and pain in the perineal area.

Choice D is wrong because keeping the patient on strict bed rest for 24 hours to avoid stress on the uterus does not help with uterine contraction.In fact, early ambulation after delivery can help prevent thromboembolic complications and promote recovery.

Normal ranges for postpartum blood loss are less than 500 mL for vaginal delivery and less than 1000 mL for cesarean delivery.Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss greater than or equal to 1000 mL or blood loss accompanied by signs or symptoms of hypovolemia within 24 hours after birth.