Question

The maternity nurse is preparing for the admission of a client in the third trimester of pregnancy who is experiencing vaginal bleeding and has a suspected diagnosis of placenta previa. The nurse reviews the health care provider's prescriptions and should question which prescription?

A. Administering oxytocin to induce labor
B. Allowing the client to ambulate freely
C. Performing a pelvic examination
D. Administering anticoagulant medication

Answer 1

The prescription to administer anticoagulant medication should be questioned for a pregnant client with suspected placenta previa due to the risk of exacerbating vaginal bleeding. Physical exams and ambulation guidelines should also be considered carefully.

Step-by-step explanation:

A maternity nurse should question the prescription of administering anticoagulant medication for a client in the third trimester of pregnancy who is experiencing vaginal bleeding due to a suspected diagnosis of placenta previa. Anticoagulant medications thin the blood and may worsen bleeding. In the scenario where induction of labor is needed for a full-term pregnancy, an IV infusion of synthetic oxytocin, such as pitocin, can be used. Performing a pelvic examination is controversial and could be questioned as well, depending on the situation, as it can cause bleeding in cases of placenta previa. However, allowing the client to ambulate freely may also be questioned since physical activity can potentially exacerbate bleeding. Meanwhile, uterine involution and the examination of the expelled placenta are crucial in the postpartum period to prevent issues such as postpartum hemorrhage.