Final answer:
In the case of placental abruption, the primary steps are to monitor maternal vital signs and perform an emergency C-section if necessary. Post-delivery, ensuring no placental fragments are left behind is crucial to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and encouraging breastfeeding to assist with uterine contraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When providing care for a patient with placent abruption, which refers to the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, the basic steps include:
- Monitoring maternal vital signs closely to assess for signs of distress or hemorrhage.
- Performing an emergency C-section if the fetus is viable and distress is evident or if maternal complications arise.
- Ensuring that after the delivery, the expelled placenta and fetal membranes are examined by the obstetrician to confirm that they are intact and no fragments remain in the uterus, as this could lead to postpartum hemorrhage.
- Observing the process of involution, where uterine contractions continue for several hours after birth to help the uterus and other abdominal organs return to their pre-pregnancy locations.
- Promoting breastfeeding which can facilitate uterine contraction and reduce postpartum bleeding.
The correct choices in this scenario are monitor maternal vital signs and perform an emergency C-section, making the answer both b and c. It is noteworthy that administering tocolytics (medications to halt labor) is contraindicated in placental abruption because delivery of the fetus is often necessary to manage the condition.