Question

Due to increases intravascular volume, pregnant patients can lose a significant amount of blood before tachycardia, hypotension, and other signs of hypovolemia occur. Thus, what do stable vital signs in a pregnant patient indicate about the fetus?

A. Fetal distress
B. Fetal well-being
C. Placental abruption

Answer 1

Stable vital signs in a pregnant patient do not necessarily indicate the status of the fetus, as increased blood volume during pregnancy can mask signs of hypovolemia and fetal distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stable vital signs in a pregnant patient do not necessarily reflect the condition of the fetus. Due to the physiological changes during pregnancy, including an increased intravascular volume, pregnant patients have a greater blood volume which allows them to tolerate a significant loss of blood before showing signs of hypovolemia such as tachycardia or hypotension. Therefore, stable vital signs could be misleading and might not indicate fetal distress or placental issues such as placental abruption. It’s important for healthcare providers to perform a thorough assessment, including fetal monitoring, to ensure both maternal and fetal wellbeing.