The nurse is preparing for the admission of a 30 weeks' gestation patient experiencing vaginal bleeding with a suspected diagnosis of placenta previa. In anticipating the patient's needs, which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to include? Select all that apply.
Obtain equipment to start a 24-hour urine test on the patient.
Obtain equipment for a manual pelvic exam.
Prepare to draw blood for a hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Obtain equipment for external electronic fetal heart rate monitoring.
Prepare the patient for an ultrasound.
Correct Answer : C,D,E
A. Obtain equipment to start a 24-hour urine test on the patient. A 24-hour urine test is not necessary for placenta previa. It is more commonly used for preeclampsia to assess proteinuria, which is unrelated to placenta previa.
B. Obtain equipment for a manual pelvic exam. A manual pelvic exam is contraindicated in placenta previa because it can cause further disruption of the placenta, leading to severe hemorrhage. Instead, diagnosis should be confirmed using ultrasound.
C. Prepare to draw blood for a hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels must be monitored due to the risk of maternal hemorrhage in placenta previa. Significant blood loss can lead to anemia and may require blood transfusions.
D. Obtain equipment for external electronic fetal heart rate monitoring. Continuous fetal monitoring is essential in placenta previa to assess for signs of fetal distress. External monitoring is preferred to avoid vaginal examinations, which could worsen bleeding.
E. Prepare the patient for an ultrasound. Ultrasound is the diagnostic test of choice for placenta previa. It helps determine the exact location of the placenta and confirms whether it is covering the cervix. A transabdominal ultrasound is performed first, followed by a transvaginal ultrasound if necessary.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The cervix is effacing and dilated to 2 cm. Cervical changes, including effacement and dilation, are the most definitive signs of preterm labor. Uterine contractions alone do not confirm preterm labor unless they result in cervical dilation, indicating that labor is progressing.
B. Irregular, mild uterine contractions are occurring every 15-30 minutes. Irregular contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, can be common in pregnancy and do not necessarily indicate preterm labor. True preterm labor involves regular contractions that lead to cervical changes.
C. Estriol is not found in maternal saliva. The absence of estriol in maternal saliva does not confirm or rule out preterm labor. Salivary estriol testing is not a widely used or reliable diagnostic tool for determining the onset of preterm labor.
D. Fetal fibronectin is present in vaginal secretion. Fetal fibronectin (fFN) is a protein found in vaginal secretions between 22-34 weeks of pregnancy and can indicate a risk of preterm labor, but its presence alone does not confirm that labor is actively occurring. A positive fFN test means the patient may be at increased risk for preterm labor, but cervical changes remain the best indicator of actual labor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
While many women are able to get pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy, it is not guaranteed. The ability to conceive again depends on various factors, such as:
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The extent of damage to the fallopian tube.
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Whether one or both tubes are still functional.
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The treatment used (e.g., methotrexate vs. surgery).
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Any underlying fertility issues.
It is important to be honest but reassuring, explaining that many women do go on to have healthy pregnancies, but future fertility can be affected and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Saying she "absolutely will" get pregnant again is inaccurate and potentially misleading.
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