A 29-week gravid patient is admitted to the labor and delivery unit with vaginal bleeding. To differentiate between placenta previa and abruptio placentae, the nurse should assess which of the following?
Quantity of vaginal bleeding
Presence of abdominal pain
Leopold's maneuver results.
Maternal blood pressure
The Correct Answer is B
A. Quantity of vaginal bleeding. While both placenta previa and abruptio placentae can cause vaginal bleeding, the amount alone does not differentiate between the two conditions. Placenta previa typically causes painless, bright red bleeding, whereas abruptio placentae often presents with concealed or variable bleeding, making quantity an unreliable distinguishing factor.
B. Presence of abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is a key differentiating factor. Placenta previa is characterized by painless vaginal bleeding, while abruptio placentae causes sudden, severe abdominal pain due to placental detachment and uterine muscle irritation. This makes the presence or absence of pain an important assessment finding.
C. Leopold's maneuver results. While Leopold’s maneuvers help determine fetal position and presentation, they do not provide definitive information about the location of the placenta or differentiate between placenta previa and abruptio placentae. Ultrasound is a more reliable diagnostic tool for this purpose.
D. Maternal blood pressure. Although abruptio placentae can lead to hypovolemic shock and blood pressure changes due to hemorrhage, maternal blood pressure alone is not a primary diagnostic criterion for differentiating between the two conditions. Other clinical findings such as pain and ultrasound results are more useful for diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Right-sided epigastric pain. Epigastric pain, especially on the right side, is a concerning sign of preeclampsia and may indicate liver involvement due to elevated liver enzymes or HELLP syndrome. This symptom should be assessed further as it suggests worsening disease progression.
B. Uterine contractions. Uterine contractions are not a defining feature of preeclampsia. They are more commonly associated with preterm labor rather than hypertension-related complications. While preeclampsia can lead to preterm birth, contractions alone do not confirm or negate the condition.
C. Bright red painless vaginal bleeding. Bright red painless vaginal bleeding is more indicative of placenta previa or another obstetric complication rather than preeclampsia. Preeclampsia primarily presents with hypertension, proteinuria, and systemic symptoms rather than vaginal bleeding.
D. Severe headache. A severe headache is a classic symptom of preeclampsia, often due to elevated blood pressure and cerebral edema. Persistent headaches that do not resolve with usual interventions should be evaluated promptly as they may indicate worsening hypertension or an impending seizure.
E. Visual disturbances. Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, photophobia, or seeing spots are common in preeclampsia and can signal cerebral edema or increased intracranial pressure. This is a significant warning sign requiring immediate assessment.
F. Dull backache. A dull backache is more commonly associated with musculoskeletal strain, labor, or a urinary tract infection rather than preeclampsia. While discomfort can be present in pregnancy, it is not a defining symptom of preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Stay with the patient and call for help. The priority during a seizure is to ensure the patient’s safety and call for immediate assistance. The nurse should stay with the patient, protect her from injury, and note the seizure’s duration and characteristics. After the seizure ends, further interventions can be implemented.
B. Suction the mouth to prevent aspiration. Suctioning should only be performed after the seizure ends. Attempting to suction during an active seizure increases the risk of injury and airway obstruction.
C. Insert an oral airway. Inserting an oral airway during an active seizure is unsafe and contraindicated because it may cause trauma to the mouth or airway. An airway can be inserted after the seizure stops if necessary.
D. Administer oxygen by tight face mask. While oxygen is important, it should be provided after the seizure subsides and the airway is assessed. The primary focus during the seizure is safety, preventing injury, and calling for emergency assistance.
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