A nurse is collecting data from a client who requests a prescription for a diaphragm.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication to the client’s use of a diaphragm?

Choice A rationale:

Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is not a common finding in severe preeclampsia. While some women with preeclampsia may experience a slight increase in heart rate, it is not typically a significant or defining feature of the condition. In fact, some women with severe preeclampsia may even experience a slightly decreased heart rate due to increased vagal tone.

Choice B rationale:
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is also not a typical finding in severe preeclampsia. Blood pressure is often elevated in preeclampsia, and it is one of the key diagnostic criteria. Hypotension would be a concerning finding in a woman with preeclampsia, as it could indicate a serious complication such as placental abruption or HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count).

Choice C rationale:
Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not a characteristic finding of severe preeclampsia. In fact, many women with preeclampsia experience oliguria, or decreased urine output, due to decreased kidney function. This is because preeclampsia can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter blood and produce urine.

Choice D rationale:
Headache is a common and often severe symptom of severe preeclampsia. It is thought to be caused by increased pressure within the brain due to swelling and vasoconstriction of the blood vessels. Headaches in preeclampsia can be very intense and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. They are often a sign that the preeclampsia is worsening and that delivery may be necessary.

The correct answer is choice C, Abruptio placentae.

Choice A rationale:

A prolapsed cord is an obstetric emergency where the umbilical cord drops (prolapses) through the open cervix into the vagina ahead of the baby. It’s a rare condition but can occur during labor if the baby is not yet engaged, and the water breaks. The main concern is that the cord can become compressed, cutting off the baby’s oxygen supply. However, it does not typically present with continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding without labor.

Choice B rationale:

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) refers to a patient whose membranes have ruptured before the onset of labor. While PROM can lead to complications, it is not typically associated with continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. PROM is more often characterized by the sudden release of fluid from the vagina.

Choice C rationale:

Abruptio placentae, also known as placental abruption, is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus. It is a serious condition that can occur in the third trimester and is associated with continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, which are the symptoms described in the question. This condition poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus, including fetal distress, preterm birth, and maternal hemorrhage.

Choice D rationale:

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers the cervix either completely or partially. It can cause painless, bright red vaginal bleeding but is not typically associated with abdominal pain. The bleeding with placenta previa is usually not continuous but rather occurs in episodes.

In this scenario, the continuous abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding are classic signs of abruptio placentae, making Choice C the most likely diagnosis.