A nurse is performing a physical examination of a mother and the fetus who are suspected to have a ruptured uterus.
What are some of the signs and symptoms that the nurse should look for? (Select all that apply.).
Abdominal pain, tenderness, and rigidity
Fetal parts palpable through the abdominal wall or under the pubic bone
Vaginal bleeding and signs of shock
Fetal heart rate above 160 beats per minute
Absent or decreased fetal movements.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A ruptured uterus is a serious complication where the uterus tears or breaks open, usually along the scar line of a previous cesarean delivery.
It can cause severe bleeding and fetal distress. Some of the signs and symptoms of a ruptured uterus are:
• Abdominal pain, tenderness, and rigidity: This is caused by the internal bleeding and the loss of uterine muscle tone.
• Vaginal bleeding and signs of shock: This is due to the hemorrhage from the rupture site and the hypovolemia (low blood volume) in the mother.
• Absent or decreased fetal movements: This is because the fetus may slip into the mother’s abdomen or lose oxygen due to the rupture.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A client who has a ruptured uterus is at risk of severe hemorrhage and shock, so the following tests are necessary to assess the blood loss and prepare for possible transfusion:
• A complete blood count (CBC) can show the level of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
A low hemoglobin and hematocrit indicates anemia due to blood loss.
A high white blood cell count indicates infection or inflammation.
A low platelet count indicates impaired clotting ability.
• A blood type and cross-match can determine the client’s blood group and Rh factor, and identify compatible blood units for transfusion if needed.
• A coagulation profile can measure the time it takes for the blood to clot and the activity of clotting factors.
A prolonged prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), or international normalized ratio (INR) indicates a bleeding disorder or anticoagulant use.
A low fibrinogen level indicates excessive bleeding or consumption of clotting factors.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Previous cesarean section.
Uterine fibroids.
Multiparity.
Induced labor.
These are some of the risk factors that can weaken the uterine wall and increase the risk of rupture during labor or delivery.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.