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The nurse in the postpartum unit is caring for a client who has just delivered a newborn infant following a pregnancy with a placenta previa. The nurse reviews the plan of care and prepares to monitor the client for which risk associated with placenta previa?

A. Maternal hypotension
B. Neonatal jaundice
C. Postpartum hemorrhage
D. Maternal hypertension

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The nurse should monitor for postpartum hemorrhage in a client with a history of placenta previa. After delivery, the obstetrician must ensure the placenta is intact to prevent retained fragments from causing hemorrhage. Breastfeeding can assist in reducing blood loss risk post-delivery. The correct multiple-choice option is (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in the postpartum unit should prepare to monitor the client for the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, which is associated with placenta previa. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta either partially or completely covers the cervix, and this condition carries a high risk of profuse vaginal bleeding (antepartum hemorrhage) after the 24th week of pregnancy and leading up to childbirth. After delivery, it is crucial that the obstetrician examines the expelled placenta and fetal membranes to ensure that they are intact to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

The process of involution, where the uterus contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size, can be hampered if placental pieces remain. Breastfeeding aids in involution and may reduce the risk of excessive blood loss post-delivery. The correct multiple-choice option is (c).

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