Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute onset of dyspnea and hypotension. The health care provider suspects the client has amniotic fluid embolism. What other signs or symptoms would alert the nurse to the presence of this condition in the client? Select all that apply.

a) Cyanosis
b) Uterine atony
c) Respiratory distress
d) Coagulopathy

Answer 1

The nurse should be alert for signs and symptoms of amniotic fluid embolism, which include cyanosis, uterine atony, respiratory distress, and coagulopathy. Additional symptoms like hypoxemia and findings suggestive of pulmonary edema also support the diagnosis of AFE in a clinical setting.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is caring for a client suspected of having amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), it is essential to monitor for various critical signs and symptoms. AFE is a rare but serious condition that occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enters the mother's bloodstream and triggers an allergic-like reaction. This condition often happens during labor, delivery, or in the immediate postpartum period, leading to the rapid onset of life-threatening symptoms.

• Cyanosis: A blue tint to the skin indicating that the body is not receiving enough oxygen.
• Uterine atony: A condition in which the uterus fails to contract after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding.
• Respiratory distress: Difficulty breathing and other respiratory complications are common in AFE.
• Coagulopathy: A disorder where the blood’s ability to clot is impaired, causing excessive bleeding or clotting.

Additionally, signs such as hypoxemia, a lower-than-normal level of oxygen in the blood, and findings akin to pulmonary edema, such as difficulty breathing and chest pain, should raise suspicion for amniotic fluid embolism in the appropriate clinical context.