Question

A nurse is assessing a pregnant client in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy who was admitted to the maternity unit with a suspected diagnosis of abruptio placentae. Which of the following assessment findings would the nurse expect to note if this condition is present?

1.Absence of abdominal pain
2.A soft abdomen
3.Uterine tenderness/pain
4.Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding

Answer 1

The nurse would expect to find uterine tenderness/pain and potentially painful, dark red vaginal bleeding in a pregnant client with suspected abruptio placentae. Other signs include a firm abdomen due to increased uterine tone.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a pregnant client in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy is suspected to have abruptio placentae, the nurse would expect to note certain assessment findings. Abruptio placentae, also known as placental abruption, is a serious condition in which the placenta detaches from the uterus prior to delivery. Assessment findings commonly include uterine tenderness/pain and potentially painful, dark red vaginal bleeding.

During placental abruption, the bleeding is often accompanied by abdominal pain due to the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause uterine irritability. The abdomen can be firm to palpation due to the increased uterine tone. It is crucial that the obstetrician assesses the condition thoroughly to prevent complications such as postpartum hemorrhage which can occur if fragments of the placenta remain in the uterus after delivery. Uterine contractions, which contribute to involution, help to return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size and are important in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.