A nurse is caring for a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and diagnosed with placenta previa. The client asks the nurse why the provider does not do an internal examination. Which of the following explanations of the primary reason should the nurse provide?
"This could result in profound bleeding."
"This could initiate preterm labor."
"There is an increased risk of rupture of the membranes."
"There is an increased risk of introducing infection."
The Correct Answer is A
Explanation:
A. "This could result in profound bleeding."
This is the correct explanation. Placenta previa involves the placenta partially or completely covering the cervix. Performing an internal examination, such as a vaginal exam, can disrupt the placenta and lead to severe bleeding. This bleeding can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, making it a critical concern to avoid internal exams in placenta previa cases.
B. "This could initiate preterm labor."
While internal examinations may trigger preterm labor in some cases, the primary concern in placenta previa is the risk of significant bleeding. Preterm labor is not typically the primary reason for avoiding internal exams in placenta previa; instead, the focus is on preventing bleeding and its associated complications.
C. "There is an increased risk of rupture of the membranes."
While an internal examination may carry a risk of membrane rupture, especially in situations with low-lying placenta or marginal previa, the primary concern in placenta previa is the potential for severe bleeding if the placenta is disturbed. Rupture of membranes is a consideration but is not the main reason for avoiding internal exams in placenta previa.
D. "There is an increased risk of introducing infection."
While infection is a concern with any invasive procedure, including internal examinations, it is not typically the primary reason for avoiding internal exams in placenta previa. The main focus is on preventing bleeding complications that can arise from disrupting the placenta.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, typically occurring after 20 weeks of pregnancy. While preeclampsia is a concern during pregnancy, it is not directly related to abruptio placentae or the development of DIC.
B. Puerperal infection: Puerperal infection refers to an infection that occurs after childbirth. Although infections are a concern in the postpartum period, they are not specifically associated with abruptio placentae or the development of DIC unless there are additional risk factors or complications.
C. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy: Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (also known as amniotic fluid embolism) is a rare but serious condition where amniotic fluid enters the maternal circulation, potentially causing a severe allergic-like reaction. This condition is not directly related to abruptio placentae or the development of DIC.
D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): This is the correct answer. DIC is a serious condition where the body's clotting mechanisms are abnormally activated, leading to widespread clot formation in small blood vessels. It can result from various conditions, including abruptio placentae, especially when there is evidence of bleeding such as petechiae and bleeding around the IV access site. DIC can lead to both bleeding tendencies and clot formation, affecting multiple organs and potentially causing severe complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Bowel sounds
While assessing bowel sounds is important in general nursing care, it is not the priority assessment when administering magnesium sulfate IV to a client in preterm labor. Bowel sounds can provide information about gastrointestinal function and potential complications like bowel obstruction or ileus. However, these assessments are not directly related to the immediate effects of magnesium sulfate on the client or fetus during preterm labor.
B. Temperature
Monitoring temperature is important to detect signs of infection, which could be a concern in any patient receiving IV medications. However, it is not the priority assessment when administering magnesium sulfate IV for preterm labor. The primary concern with magnesium sulfate is its effect on neuromuscular function and its potential impact on the fetus, making fetal heart rate monitoring a higher priority.
C. Respiratory rate
Assessing respiratory rate is crucial for monitoring respiratory status and detecting signs of respiratory distress or magnesium toxicity, which can affect respiratory function. While respiratory rate is an essential assessment, it is not the priority when administering magnesium sulfate IV for preterm labor. Fetal heart rate monitoring takes precedence due to the direct impact of magnesium sulfate on uterine contractions and fetal well-being.
D. Fetal heart rate (FHR)
Fetal heart rate monitoring is the priority nursing assessment when preparing to administer magnesium sulfate IV to a client experiencing preterm labor. Magnesium sulfate can affect fetal heart rate and overall fetal well-being, so continuous fetal heart rate monitoring allows the nurse to assess the baby's response to the medication and detect any adverse effects promptly. Monitoring FHR helps ensure the safety and well-being of the fetus during magnesium sulfate therapy.
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