When assessing a patient’s understanding of symptoms to report during her pregnancy, which statement would indicate to the nurse that the patient comprehends the information provided?
A.
Abdominal pain.
B.
Ballottement.
C.
Sudden gush of fluid from the vagina.
D.
Vaginal bleeding.
E.
Quickening.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Sudden gush of fluid from the vagina.
Explanation
During pregnancy, it is crucial for patients to be aware of specific symptoms that may indicate potential complications and require immediate medical attention. When assessing a patient’s understanding of what symptoms to report, certain signs are more critical than others. Here’s a detailed explanation of why a “sudden gush of fluid from the vagina” is the most appropriate symptom for the patient to report:
- Sudden Gush of Fluid from the Vagina (Correct Answer):
- Reason for Importance: A sudden gush of fluid from the vagina can be indicative of the rupture of membranes, commonly known as the water breaking. This can be a sign that labor is imminent, or it may indicate a potential problem such as premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). If the fluid is clear, it could be normal, but if it is greenish or brownish, it may suggest fetal distress. Immediate reporting of this symptom ensures that timely interventions can be made to assess fetal well-being and prepare for labor or address potential complications.
- Abdominal Pain (A):
- Reason for Monitoring: While abdominal pain can be a normal part of pregnancy, it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions like ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or miscarriage. However, abdominal pain alone is not as immediate or specific in indicating an urgent issue compared to a sudden gush of fluid, making it less critical for immediate reporting.
- Ballottement (B):
- Explanation: Ballottement is a clinical sign assessed by a healthcare provider to detect fetal movement by palpating the uterus. It is not a symptom reported by patients and does not indicate an urgent situation.
- Vaginal Bleeding (D):
- Explanation: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, especially in the first or third trimester, can be a sign of miscarriage, placental abruption, or other complications. Although this is a significant symptom, it is typically less acute in its presentation compared to a sudden gush of fluid which usually requires immediate medical evaluation.
- Quickening (E):
- Explanation: Quickening refers to the first perception of fetal movements by the mother, usually occurring between 16 and 25 weeks of gestation. This is a normal part of pregnancy and does not indicate a problem that requires immediate reporting unless it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
In summary, a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina is the most critical symptom for the patient to report immediately as it may signify important changes related to labor or potential complications, warranting prompt medical evaluation.