Ati Lpn maternal exam 1
Ati Lpn maternal exam 1 ( 49 Questions)
A nurse in the antepartum unit is assisting with the care of a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and reports continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.
The nurse should identify that the client is likely experiencing which of the following complications?
Prolapsed cord is a serious obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord descends into the vagina ahead of the baby. It typically happens after the rupture of membranes, not before.
Key signs of a prolapsed cord include:
A visible or palpable cord in the vagina Sudden fetal heart rate decelerations
Vaginal bleeding (may or may not be present)
The client in this scenario does not present with these characteristic signs, making prolapsed cord less likely.
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor. It can lead to vaginal leaking of clear or straw-colored fluid, but not typically continuous bleeding.
While PROM is possible, the presence of continuous abdominal pain makes abruptio placentae more likely.
Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, a serious condition that can endanger both the mother and the fetus.
It often presents with the following symptoms: Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding (may be bright red or dark brown) Uterine tenderness
Fetal distress (indicated by abnormal heart rate patterns)
The client in this scenario exhibits the classic signs of abruptio placentae, making it the most likely diagnosis.
No explanation
Choice A rationale:
Prolapsed cord is a serious obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord descends into the vagina ahead of the baby. It typically happens after the rupture of membranes, not before.
Key signs of a prolapsed cord include:
A visible or palpable cord in the vagina Sudden fetal heart rate decelerations
Vaginal bleeding (may or may not be present)
The client in this scenario does not present with these characteristic signs, making prolapsed cord less likely.
Choice B rationale:
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor. It can lead to vaginal leaking of clear or straw-colored fluid, but not typically continuous bleeding.
While PROM is possible, the presence of continuous abdominal pain makes abruptio placentae more likely.
Choice C rationale:
Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, a serious condition that can endanger both the mother and the fetus.
It often presents with the following symptoms: Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding (may be bright red or dark brown) Uterine tenderness
Fetal distress (indicated by abnormal heart rate patterns)
The client in this scenario exhibits the classic signs of abruptio placentae, making it the most likely diagnosis.
