Question

A nurse is caring for a patient in the active phase of labor. The woman's BOW spontaneously ruptures. Suddenly, the woman complains of dyspnea and appears restless and cyanotic. Additionally, she becomes hypotensive and tachycardic. The nurse immediately suspects the presence of a(n) _____________.

a. Preeclampsia
b. Amniotic fluid embolism
c. Placental abruption
d. Uterine rupture

Answer 1

The nurse suspects the presence of an amniotic fluid embolism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse immediately suspects the presence of an amniotic fluid embolism.

An amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but serious condition that can occur when amniotic fluid enters the mother's bloodstream. It can lead to respiratory distress, cyanosis, hypotension, and tachycardia. The sudden onset of dyspnea, restlessness, cyanosis, hypotension, and tachycardia in this patient are consistent with the symptoms of an amniotic fluid embolism.

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage. Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. Uterine rupture is a tear in the uterus. None of these conditions would explain the sudden onset of symptoms in this patient.