Final answer:
A client at 34 weeks gestation with abdominal tenderness may be experiencing preterm labor or other complications due to the rapid changes occurring in the third trimester. It's important to assess the symptoms in conjunction with signs of labor progression, like in Devin's example where labor was not imminent, or Janine's case, where labor induction was necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client who is 34 weeks of gestation reports abdominal (abd) tenderness, there is a concern for potential complications that may include preterm labor, placental issues such as placental abruption, or other conditions leading to abdominal discomfort during pregnancy. With various conditions that could arise in the third trimester, such as the uterus rapidly expanding and the fetus growing in size, expectant mothers may experience symptoms including abd tenderness, frequent urination, and circulatory problems. In Devin's case, despite her contractions, the intact mucus plug and lack of cervical dilatation suggested that labor was not imminent, hence she was advised to return home. On the other hand, for Janine at 41 weeks with prolonged mild contractions and minimal cervix dilation, intervention with pitocin was deemed necessary to induce labor.