A nurse is at the bedside to provide additional education and resources to a client about a new diagnosis.
The client in the OB clinic is visibly upset after their appointment with their provider and states, "My doctor told me that there is something wrong with my placenta and I will have to have a cesarean and hysterectomy when I deliver my baby.”. The nurse plans to provide education about which of the following placenta abnormalities?

Choice A rationale

Placenta previa involves painless vaginal bleeding due to the placenta covering the cervical opening. It does not typically cause significant abdominal pain or the hemodynamic instability described in the scenario.

Choice B rationale

Abruptio placentae is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, causing severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and can lead to shock, consistent with the assessment findings.

Choice C rationale

Uterine rupture, often a complication in women with a previous cesarean section, involves the tearing of the uterine wall, causing sudden, severe abdominal pain and bleeding. However, it is less common than placental abruption.

Choice D rationale

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but life-threatening condition where amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream, causing cardiovascular collapse and severe respiratory distress, which is less consistent with the described findings.

Choice A rationale

Asthma is a respiratory condition and is not directly linked to an increased risk of placental abruption. While chronic conditions can affect pregnancy, asthma is not a direct risk factor for abruption.

Choice B rationale

Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid condition that can cause complications during pregnancy, but it is not a known risk factor for placental abruption. It affects the mother's metabolism and can impact fetal development, but does not typically cause placental detachment.

Choice C rationale

Previous cesarean delivery is associated with risks such as uterine rupture in future pregnancies, but not specifically with placental abruption. The scar tissue from a cesarean may affect the placenta's position, but does not increase the risk of abruption directly.

Choice D rationale

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for placental abruption. It can damage the blood vessels in the placenta, leading to separation from the uterine wall and resulting in abruption, which can be dangerous for both mother and baby.