Question

The nurse is performing an assessment on a client diagnosed with placenta previa. Which of these assessment findings would the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.

A. Bright red vaginal bleeding
B. Abdominal pain and tenderness
C. Fetal heart rate within normal range
D. Fundal height consistent with gestational age

Answer 1

The nurse would expect to note bright red vaginal bleeding, a normal range fetal heart rate, and fundal height consistent with gestational age in a client diagnosed with placenta previa. Abdominal pain and tenderness are less commonly associated with placenta previa.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse assessing a client diagnosed with placenta previa would expect to note certain assessment findings that are characteristic of this condition. When the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, it can lead to specific symptoms. Based on our understanding of placenta previa, the nurse would anticipate the following:

• A. Bright red vaginal bleeding: This is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. The bleeding is typically painless, which differentiates it from other causes of bleeding in pregnancy such as placental abruption.
• C. Fetal heart rate within normal range: As placenta previa does not directly affect the fetal heart rate, it would usually remain within the normal range unless other complications were present.
• D. Fundal height consistent with gestational age: Fundal height should align with gestational age in a case of placenta previa since it reflects the growth of the uterus, which continues unless there are growth restrictions or other complications.

Options B (abdominal pain and tenderness) is less commonly associated with placenta previa as the condition usually presents without significant pain. However, this symptom might be seen in cases such as placental abruption, which is a different condition.