A nurse is caring for a client who is having a vacuum-assisted birth.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Vaginal bleeding

Bleeding occurs in placenta previa due to partial or total implantation of the placenta over the cervical os, leading to painless bright red bleeding from disrupted placental vessels. It also occurs in preterm labor when cervical effacement and dilation disrupt small cervical vessels, producing light bleeding or spotting. In abruptio placenta, bleeding is dark red and may be concealed or apparent, resulting from premature placental detachment and rupture of maternal vessels in the decidua basalis.

Uterine contractions

Regular uterine contractions every 2 to 3 minutes with cervical change are diagnostic of preterm labor, resulting from premature activation of uterine oxytocin receptors and prostaglandin release before 37 weeks. In abruptio placenta, contractions are often strong and sustained (hypertonic uterus) due to myometrial irritability from bleeding into the decidual layer. Placenta previa, however, typically presents with painless bleeding and a soft, relaxed uterus without contractions because the uterine muscle tone remains unaffected.

Cervical dilation

Cervical dilation indicates preterm labor, as biochemical changes in the cervix from increased prostaglandin and relaxin activity cause collagen breakdown and effacement before term. This process reflects uterine activation sequence initiation leading to potential preterm birth. In placenta previa, the cervix may remain closed despite bleeding because bleeding originates from placental implantation, not cervical change. Abruptio placenta rarely involves dilation unless labor progresses secondarily after placental separation, thus cervical dilation is not a key feature.

Abdominal tenderness

Abdominal tenderness is characteristic of abruptio placenta, caused by bleeding between the uterine wall and placenta leading to myometrial irritability, uterine rigidity, and ischemic pain. The trapped blood increases intrauterine pressure, stimulating pain receptors in the myometrium and stretching the uterine serosa. Placenta previa presents with a soft, nontender abdomen because bleeding is external and not associated with uterine muscle involvement. Preterm labor generally causes back discomfort or cramping, not localized abdominal tenderness.

Client report of low back pain

Low back pain is prominent in preterm labor, resulting from referred pain due to rhythmic uterine contractions transmitted through the lumbosacral plexus and pelvic nerves. It reflects early cervical change and uterine irritability. In abruptio placenta, the back pain may occur secondary to uteroplacental separation and posterior placental bleeding irritating the parietal peritoneum. Placenta previa typically lacks pain or back discomfort since bleeding occurs without uterine or peritoneal irritation.

Choice A rationale

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analog used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by inducing uterine contractions, but it is not the primary intervention for preeclampsia without severe features, which focuses on blood pressure control and seizure prophylaxis.

Choice B rationale

Administering an IV bolus of lactated Ringer's is generally contraindicated in preeclampsia because it can increase the risk of pulmonary edema due to generalized fluid retention and increased capillary permeability characteristic of the disorder. Fluid management should be conservative.

Choice C rationale

Clonus, which is the presence of rhythmic, involuntary muscle contractions, is a sign of hyperreflexia and central nervous system irritability. It indicates worsening preeclampsia and the potential progression to eclampsia (seizures), necessitating close neurological assessment for timely intervention.

Choice D rationale

Restricting daily oral fluid intake can lead to dehydration and is not a standard or necessary practice for preeclampsia management without severe features, unless there is evidence of pulmonary edema or acute kidney injury. The focus is on careful fluid balance, not routine restriction.