A nurse in a provider’s office is caring for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for abruption?
Cocaine use
Blunt force trauma
Hypertension
Cigarette smoking
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Cocaine use: Cocaine use during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for placental abruption. Cocaine causes vasoconstriction, which can reduce blood flow to the placenta and lead to its premature separation from the uterine wall. However, it is not the most common risk factor.
Choice B reason:
Blunt force trauma: Trauma to the abdomen, such as from a car accident or a fall, can cause placental abruption. This type of trauma can lead to the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, resulting in bleeding and potential complications for both the mother and the fetus.
Choice C reason:
Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common risk factor for placental abruption. Chronic hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia) can damage the blood vessels in the placenta, leading to its premature separation. This condition can significantly increase the risk of placental abruption and is a critical factor to monitor in pregnant women.
Choice D reason:
Cigarette smoking: Smoking during pregnancy is another risk factor for placental abruption. Nicotine and other harmful substances in cigarettes can affect placental blood flow and increase the risk of abruption. However, like cocaine use, it is not the most common risk factor.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA). SGA infants are at a higher risk for hypoglycemia due to their limited glycogen stores and increased metabolic needs. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly addressed. Therefore, frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial to ensure early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia, thereby preventing these adverse outcomes.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring intake and output is important for assessing the hydration status and renal function of the newborn. While this is a necessary aspect of care, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA infant. Ensuring adequate fluid intake and monitoring urine output helps in maintaining electrolyte balance and preventing dehydration, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of hypoglycemia, which is more critical in the initial care of an SGA newborn.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring weight is essential for tracking the growth and development of the newborn. Regular weight checks help in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and identifying any growth delays. However, this intervention is more relevant for long-term management rather than immediate care. The priority in the immediate postnatal period is to stabilize the infant’s condition, particularly by preventing hypoglycemia.
Choice D reason:
Monitoring axillary temperature is important to prevent hypothermia, which SGA infants are also at risk for due to their low body fat and poor thermoregulation. While maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial, it is not the most immediate concern compared to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the infant’s health and requires prompt intervention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is the priority intervention for a newborn who is small for gestational age (SGA). SGA infants are at a higher risk for hypoglycemia due to their limited glycogen stores and increased metabolic needs. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, brain damage, and even death if not promptly addressed. Therefore, frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial to ensure early detection and treatment of hypoglycemia, thereby preventing these adverse outcomes.
Choice B reason:
Monitoring intake and output is important for assessing the hydration status and renal function of the newborn. While this is a necessary aspect of care, it is not the priority intervention for an SGA infant. Ensuring adequate fluid intake and monitoring urine output helps in maintaining electrolyte balance and preventing dehydration, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of hypoglycemia, which is more critical in the initial care of an SGA newborn.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring weight is essential for tracking the growth and development of the newborn. Regular weight checks help in assessing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions and identifying any growth delays. However, this intervention is more relevant for long-term management rather than immediate care. The priority in the immediate postnatal period is to stabilize the infant’s condition, particularly by preventing hypoglycemia.
Choice D reason:
Monitoring axillary temperature is important to prevent hypothermia, which SGA infants are also at risk for due to their low body fat and poor thermoregulation. While maintaining a stable body temperature is crucial, it is not the most immediate concern compared to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the infant’s
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