A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and at risk for placental abruption. Does the nurse recognize that which of the following is the most common risk factor for a placental abruption?

Choice A rationale:

Supporting the infant during birth. The priority for the nurse in this situation is to ensure the safe delivery of the baby. By supporting the infant during birth, the nurse can help ensure that the baby is delivered safely and efficiently. This involves assisting the mother in pushing and guiding the baby's head and body as it emerges from the birth canal. The nurse should also be ready to catch the baby and provide immediate care, such as drying and stimulating the baby to breathe if necessary.

Choice B rationale

Preventing the perineum from tearing. While preventing perineal tearing is important, it is not the top priority in this rapidly progressing labor scenario. The immediate concern is the safe delivery of the baby, and if perineal tearing does occur, it can be addressed after the birth.

Choice C rationale

Cutting the umbilical cord. This action is necessary but not the top priority. After the baby is delivered, the nurse should clamp and cut the umbilical cord to separate the baby from the placenta. However, this can wait until the baby is fully delivered and breathing on their own.

Choice D rationale

Promoting delivery of the placenta. Again, while delivering the placenta is important to prevent postpartum haemorrhage, it is not the priority in this scenario. The nurse's immediate focus should be on supporting the infant's delivery and ensuring the baby's well-being.

The correct answer is choice A, Maternal hypertension.

Choice A rationale:

Maternal hypertension is widely recognized as the most common risk factor for placental abruption. High blood pressure can cause the placenta to detach from the uterine wall, leading to abruption. In summary, while all the listed factors can contribute to the risk of placental abruption, maternal hypertension stands out as the most common cause, supported by multiple health sources. It’s important for nurses to recognize and manage hypertension in pregnant clients to minimize the risk of this serious complication.

Choice B rationale:

While maternal cocaine use is a significant risk factor for placental abruption due to its vasoconstrictive effects, which can compromise the placental blood flow, it is not as common as maternal hypertension.

Choice C rationale:

Maternal cigarette smoking is also a risk factor for placental abruption. Smoking can lead to a variety of complications in pregnancy, including placental problems, but again, it is less common than hypertension as a cause for abruption.

Choice D rationale:

Maternal battering can lead to trauma which may result in placental abruption. However, it is not considered the most common risk factor when compared to maternal hypertension.