A nurse is assessing a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and reports sudden, severe abdominal pain with moderate vaginal bleeding and persistent uterine contractions.
The client's blood pressure is 88/50 mm Hg, and her abdomen is rigid.
The nurse should identify these findings as indicating which of the following complications?
Uterine rupture.
Placental abruption.
Placenta previa.
Amniotic fluid embolus.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Uterine rupture typically presents with intense, constant abdominal pain and signs of shock. However, the absence of visible bleeding in the abdominal cavity makes this choice less likely in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery. The sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and signs of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure, rigid abdomen) are indicative of placental abruption. This condition requires immediate medical intervention due to the risk of fetal and maternal compromise.
Choice C rationale:
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical opening. It typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding. The severe abdominal pain described in the scenario is inconsistent with placenta previa.
Choice D rationale:
Amniotic fluid embolus is a rare and life-threatening condition in which amniotic fluid enters the maternal bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction. It can lead to sudden cardiovascular collapse. Although it can cause respiratory distress and hypotension, it does not usually present with severe abdominal pain or uterine contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Storing personal items together on a shelf in the bathroom promotes organization and reduces the risk of tripping or falling over scattered items. Keeping the environment tidy and free of clutter is an essential fall prevention strategy, especially in areas where the client moves frequently.
Choice Brationale:
Wearing a yellow wristband to indicate a fall risk is a common practice in healthcare facilities. However, merely wearing the wristband does not demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fall prevention strategies. While it is essential for healthcare providers to identify patients at risk of falling, educating the patient about specific strategies to prevent falls is equally important.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the overhead lights on at all times does not necessarily indicate an understanding of fall prevention strategies. While adequate lighting is important to prevent falls, leaving lights on continuously may not be necessary during daylight hours. It is more effective to ensure there is adequate lighting in commonly used areas and during nighttime hours.
Choice Drationale:
Wearing a restraint around the waist is not a recommended fall prevention strategy. Physical restraints are generally discouraged in healthcare settings due to ethical concerns and the potential to cause harm to the patient. Restraints can lead to complications such as pressure ulcers, loss of muscle strength, and decreased mobility.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing postmortem care for a client who has recently died does not require immediate intervention by the charge nurse, as it is a standard nursing responsibility to provide postmortem care with dignity and respect to the deceased client. The AP can proceed with this task independently.
Choice B rationale:
Performing a simple dressing change on a client's foot is within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP) and does not require immediate intervention by the charge nurse, assuming the AP is competent and trained to perform this task.
Choice C rationale:
Washing hands with alcohol-based hand rub after bathing a client who has Clostridium difficile is not sufficient. Alcohol is not effective against C. Difficile spores.
Choice D rationale:
Clean gloves are sufficient for this task, as they do provide adequate protection against the transmission of infections.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.