Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has suspected placenta previa. For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor the client?

A. A large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without pain
Rationale: With placenta previa, the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus, partly or completely obstructing the cervical os, or outlet to the vagina. Clients who have placenta previa have sudden, painless vaginal bleeding, typically in the third trimester.
B. Severe abdominal pain with increasing fundal height
Rationale: Abdominal pain with increasing fundal height is associated with abruptio placenta.
C. Abdominal pain with minimal red vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding is associated with abruptio placenta.
D. Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus
Rationale: Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus describes labor.

Answer 1

A nurse should monitor a client with suspected placenta previa for a large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without pain.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse must monitor a client suspected of having placenta previa for a large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without pain. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants in the lower part of the uterus, obstructing the cervical os. This condition typically presents with sudden, painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester of pregnancy. It is important to note that severe abdominal pain with increasing fundal height is associated with abruptio placenta, not placenta previa.