Practice Question
A client arrives at the labor and delivery unit, and it is determined that a complete placental abruption is occurring. What is an appropriate nursing action?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Prepare the client for delivery
Rationale:
🔶 A complete placental abruption is an obstetric emergency requiring immediate delivery to prevent maternal hemorrhage and fetal hypoxia.
🔶 The placenta has fully separated from the uterine wall, making continued pregnancy impossible.
🔶 No medication can reverse this condition.
🔶 Delaying delivery increases risk of DIC, shock, and fetal demise.
🔶 The nurse must prioritize stabilizing the client and preparing for rapid birth, often by cesarean section.
🔶 This is the only action that addresses the life-threatening nature of abruption.
🔶 Incorrect Answer — . Administer medication to stop labor
🔶 Tocolytics are contraindicated in placental abruption.
🔶 Stopping labor increases bleeding risk and worsens maternal and fetal outcomes.
🔶 Abruption is not caused by uterine contractions but by premature placental separation.
🔶 This intervention would be harmful.
🔶 Therefore, it is inappropriate.
🔶 Incorrect Answer — Apply fundal pressure
🔶 Fundal pressure increases the risk of uterine rupture and hemorrhage.
🔶 It does not treat abruption and may worsen placental separation.
🔶 This action is dangerous and not evidence-based.
🔶 It has no indication in hemorrhagic obstetric emergencies.
🔶 Therefore, it must be avoided.
🔶 Incorrect Answer — Trendelenburg position
🔶 Trendelenburg does not improve placental perfusion or stop bleeding.
🔶 It may worsen maternal breathing and does not treat the underlying pathology.
🔶 It delays urgent intervention.
🔶 Abruption requires delivery, not positional changes.
🔶 Therefore, this option is incorrect.
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This question is from NR324.NR329 Exam 1 Assessment which contains 53 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4