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
A. Performing gastrostomy feedings through an established gastrostomy tube is within the scope of practice for an AP, as it is a routine, non-complex task.
B. Evaluating the effectiveness of pain medication requires assessment skills, which fall under the nurse’s scope of practice.
C. Providing client care instructions requires nursing judgment and should be done by the nurse.
D. Teaching a client how to measure their blood pressure involves client education, which is the nurse’s responsibility.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Measuring the amount of time the child can hear the sound is not the correct action when performing Weber's test. Weber's test is used to assess hearing acuity and lateralization. In this test, a vibrating tuning fork is placed in the middle of the patient's forehead, and the patient is asked if the sound is heard equally in both ears or if it is louder in one ear. This helps identify whether there is a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. The duration of hearing the sound is not relevant to this test.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining a tympanogram reading is not necessary before initiating Weber's test. Tympanometry assesses the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure and can help diagnose conditions like middle ear effusion or eustachian tube dysfunction. However, Weber's test focuses on lateralization of sound and does not require tympanogram readings.
Choice C rationale:
Placing a vibrating tuning fork on the top of the child's head is the correct action for performing Weber's test. By doing so, the nurse can assess whether the sound is perceived equally in both ears or if it is lateralized to one ear. If the sound is lateralized, it can provide valuable information about the type of hearing loss the child may have, whether it's conductive or sensorineural.
Choice D rationale:
Holding a vibrating tuning fork 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) from the child's ears is not the correct technique for Weber's test. Placing the tuning fork directly on the patient's forehead is essential for accurate assessment. Holding it close to the ears can lead to misinterpretation of the test results.
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