A client arrives to OB triage at 37 weeks gestation with a known complete placenta previa this pregnancy.
She reports feeling some inconsistent contractions over the last 4 hours and wants to know if she is in labor.
The client asks the nurse why the provider did not perform a vaginal exam.
What is the most appropriate answer by the nurse?
A vaginal exam will increase the risk of rupturing your membranes.
A vaginal exam could cause vaginal bleeding.
A vaginal exam would cause infection if you are not in labor.
A vaginal exam could initiate preterm labor.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While rupturing membranes can be a concern, the primary issue with a vaginal exam in the presence of placenta previa is the risk of severe bleeding. This choice is partially correct but not the most accurate answer.
Choice B rationale
With placenta previa, the placenta covers the cervix, and a vaginal exam could easily disrupt it, leading to significant vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, making this the most accurate reason to avoid a vaginal exam.
Choice C rationale
Infection risk is a concern with any invasive procedure, but it is not the primary reason to avoid a vaginal exam in the case of placenta previa. The main concern is the risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale
Initiating preterm labor is a possible risk with any vaginal exam late in pregnancy, but it is not the primary concern in cases of placenta previa. The main issue is the potential for causing severe bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placenta previa leads to painless vaginal bleeding when the placenta covers the cervix. It does not typically require continuous fetal monitoring or prepare for cesarean birth based on the findings alone.
Choice B rationale
Abruptio placentae is the premature detachment of the placenta, causing abdominal pain, and can lead to fetal distress. Continuous fetal monitoring and preparation for cesarean birth are consistent with this complication.
Choice C rationale
Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy but without the presence of protein in the urine or other symptoms of preeclampsia. It would not typically necessitate the measures described.
Choice D rationale
Preeclampsia involves high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation and can cause severe complications for both the mother and fetus. However, it does not directly lead to the specific intervention of continuous fetal monitoring and cesarean preparation. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monochorionic-monoamniotic twins share a single placenta and amniotic sac, increasing the risk for twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This condition occurs due to unbalanced blood flow through the shared placenta, leading to discrepancies in blood volume between the twins.
Choice B rationale
TTTS does not result in overperfusion to both babies. Instead, it causes one twin (the donor) to become underperfused, leading to anemia and growth restriction, while the other twin (the recipient) becomes overperfused, causing polycythemia and circulatory overload, which can lead to heart failure.
Choice C rationale
TTTS is not very common in all multiple gestation pregnancies; it primarily affects monochorionic twins. In dichorionic twins, each twin has its own placenta, making TTTS highly unlikely.
Choice D rationale
Monochorionic twins sharing a placenta actually increases their risk for TTTS, not lowers it. The shared placenta creates a scenario where blood vessels can cross and lead to uneven blood flow between the twins. .
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.