A nurse suspects that a pregnant client may be experiencing a placental abruption based on assessment of which finding? Select all that apply.
dark red vaginal bleeding
absence of pain
insidious onset
absent fetal heart tones
Correct Answer : A,D
A. Dark red vaginal bleeding is often seen in placental abruption. The blood from an abruption is typically dark red (indicating that it is older blood) and may be mixed with amniotic fluid, making it more challenging to assess. However, the bleeding can sometimes be concealed, especially in complete abruption or retroplacental hemorrhage, where blood accumulates behind the placenta.
B. Absence of pain is incorrect. In fact, placental abruption is typically associated with abdominal pain, which can be severe and often comes on suddenly. Pain occurs due to the detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall and subsequent irritation or bleeding into the uterine cavity.
C. Insidious onset is incorrect. Placental abruption usually has a sudden or acute onset of symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. An insidious onset would be more suggestive of other conditions, such as placenta previa.
D. Absent fetal heart tones is a critical finding. Placental abruption can cause fetal distress or fetal death, especially if the abruption is severe. Absent fetal heart tones are a sign of fetal compromise or death resulting from the disruption of placental blood flow.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Stepping reflex is elicited by holding the newborn upright with feet touching a flat surface; the baby will make stepping movements.
B. Babinski reflex is correct. This reflex is elicited by stroking the lateral sole of the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. A positive Babinski response in newborns is dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes — a normal finding up to about 12 months of age.
C. Tonic neck reflex (also called the “fencing” reflex) is seen when the newborn's head is turned to one side — the arm on that side extends while the opposite arm bends.
D. Plantar grasp is elicited by pressing a finger against the sole of the foot near the toes; the newborn will respond by curling the toes downward.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Two fingerbreadths above the umbilicus would not be a normal finding 48 hours postpartum. By this time, the uterus should be well on its way to returning to its pre-pregnancy size and position, typically about 1 to 2 fingerbreadths below the umbilicus.
B. Two fingerbreadths below the umbilicus is the expected finding 48 hours postpartum. After birth, the uterus begins to shrink (involution) and descend into the pelvic cavity. By 48 hours, the fundus is usually 1–2 fingerbreadths below the umbilicus.
C. Four fingerbreadths below the umbilicus would be more typical of a finding several days later, after the process of involution continues. This could be a sign that the uterus is shrinking at the expected rate.
D. At the level of the umbilicus is typically expected within the first 24 hours after delivery, but by 48 hours postpartum, the fundus should have descended slightly below the level of the umbilicus.
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