Question

A client at 35 weeks' gestation is admitted to the birthing unit with a small amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without contractions. What should the nurse do after placing the client in bed?

A. Check fetal heart tones
B. Obtain an amniotomy pack
C. Take the client's vital signs
D. Perform a vaginal examination

Answer 1

The nurse should first Take the client's vital signs as a bleeding at 35 weeks' gestation could indicate severe complications that need immediate evaluation of the mother's hemodynamic status.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client at 35 weeks' gestation with bright red vaginal bleeding indicates potential obstetrical complications and requires careful assessment. The appropriate action after placing the client in bed would be C. Take the client's vital signs. It's crucial to monitor the client's hemodynamic stability since the bleeding may be a symptom of conditions like placenta previa or abruptio placentae, which can progress rapidly and affect both mother and fetus adversely. Checking the client's vital signs is an immediate priority to ascertain stability before further intervention.

Once the vital signs are stable, the health care provider can proceed with A. Check fetal heart tones to assess fetal well-being. An amniotomy pack or performing a vaginal examination would be contraindicated initially because it could exacerbate the bleeding and should only be done under direct medical supervision with a clear indication.