The nurse caring for a woman hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum should expect that initial treatment will involve:

Choice A reason: Partial abruptio placentae is not the correct answer, as it does not always require delivery by cesarean section. Partial abruptio placentae is a condition where the placenta partially separates from the uterine wall before the baby is born. This can cause bleeding, pain, and fetal distress. Depending on the severity of the condition, the gestational age, and the fetal status, the delivery may be vaginal or cesarean.

Choice B reason: Ectopic pregnancy is not the correct answer, as it does not require delivery by cesarean section. Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This can cause bleeding, pain, and rupture of the tube. Ectopic pregnancy is not viable and needs to be removed surgically or treated with medication. It cannot result in a live birth².

Choice C reason: Eclampsia is not the correct answer, as it does not always require delivery by cesarean section. Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia, a condition where the pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Eclampsia can cause seizures, coma, and death for the mother and the baby. The only cure for eclampsia is delivery of the baby, which may be vaginal or cesarean depending on the maternal and fetal condition.

Choice D reason: Total placenta previa is the correct answer, as it always requires delivery by cesarean section. Total placenta previa is a condition where the placenta completely covers the cervix, the opening of the uterus. This can cause painless bleeding, preterm labor, and fetal distress. Vaginal delivery is impossible and dangerous, as it can cause severe bleeding and damage to the placenta and the baby. Cesarean section is the only safe way to deliver the baby.

Choice A reason: Maternal placenta previa is not a common complication of gestational diabetes mellitus. Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix, which can cause bleeding and preterm labor. The risk factors for placenta previa include previous cesarean delivery, multiple pregnancy, advanced maternal age, and smoking.

Choice B reason: Maternal hyperemesis and neonatal low birth weight are not directly related to gestational diabetes mellitus. Hyperemesis is a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can cause dehydration and weight loss. The causes of hyperemesis are not well understood, but it may be influenced by hormonal changes, genetic factors, and psychological factors². Neonatal low birth weight is defined as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams, which can be caused by many factors, such as prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, maternal infection, and maternal malnutrition.

Choice C reason: Maternal premature rupture of membranes and neonatal sepsis are not specific to gestational diabetes mellitus. Premature rupture of membranes is a condition in which the amniotic sac breaks before labor begins, which can increase the risk of infection and preterm delivery. The causes of premature rupture of membranes are not clear, but some possible factors include infection, inflammation, stress, and trauma. Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening infection in newborns, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The risk factors for neonatal sepsis include prematurity, low birth weight, maternal infection, and invasive procedures⁵.

Choice D reason: Maternal preeclampsia and fetal macrosomia are the most common and serious complications of gestational diabetes mellitus. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, which can lead to organ damage, seizures, and death. The exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, but it may be related to abnormal placental development, immune system dysfunction, and genetic factors⁶. Fetal macrosomia is a condition in which the baby is larger than normal, usually weighing more than 4,000 grams at birth. This can cause difficulties during labor and delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, birth trauma, and cesarean section. The main cause of fetal macrosomia is excessive maternal glucose, which stimulates fetal insulin production and growth.