A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered her second twin vaginally and notes that there is excessive bleeding from her vagina and that her uterus feels boggy on palpation.

The nurse should suspect which of the following complications?

The correct answer is choice A. Uterine atony.

Uterine atony is the failure of the uterus to contract and retract after delivery, which can lead to excessive bleeding and hemorrhage.A boggy uterus on palpation is a sign of uterine atony.

Choice B. Uterine inversion is wrong because it is a rare complication in which the uterus turns inside out and protrudes through the cervix.It usually causes severe pain, shock, and hemorrhage.

Choice C. Uterine rupture is wrong because it is a life-threatening emergency in which the uterus tears open along the scar line of a previous cesarean delivery or other uterine surgery.It usually causes severe abdominal pain, fetal distress, and maternal hypovolemic shock.

Choice D. Uterine infection is wrong because it is an inflammation of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) caused by bacteria.It usually causes fever, foul-smelling lochia, and lower abdominal tenderness.

Normal ranges for postpartum bleeding are about 500 ml for vaginal delivery and 1000 ml for cesarean delivery.The uterus should feel firm and midline at or below the umbilicus after delivery.

The correct answer is choice B. The cord is hidden, often next to but not in front of the fetal head.This is called anoccult cord prolapseand it occurs when the umbilical cord descends alongside–but not past–the presenting part of the baby.Occult cords can occur with ruptured or intact membranes.They can cause hypoxia, brain injury, and permanent disability in a baby, so medical personnel must address them rapidly and appropriately.

Choice A is wrong because it describes anovert cord prolapse, which means that the cord slips down into your cervix and vagina ahead of your baby during delivery.This is a medical emergency that can cut off your baby’s blood and oxygen supply during delivery.

Choice C is wrong because it describes avisible cord prolapse, which is a type of overt cord prolapse where the cord is visible or palpable outside of the vagina.This is also a medical emergency that requires immediate delivery.

Choice D is wrong because it describes anuchal cord, which means that the cord is wrapped around the fetal neck or body.This is not a prolapse, but it can cause complications such as reduced blood flow, fetal distress, or umbilical cord strangulation.