A nurse is caring for a client who has a placenta previa.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A.
Nausea.
B.
Polyhydramnios.
C.
Uterine tenderness.
D.
Spotting.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. Spotting.
Explanation:
Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is abnormally positioned in the lower part of the uterus, either partially or completely covering the cervix. This condition can pose serious complications for both the mother and fetus during pregnancy and delivery, primarily because it can lead to painless vaginal bleeding, especially during the third trimester.
Here’s a breakdown of the findings in the context of placenta previa:
- Spotting (D): Spotting or painless vaginal bleeding is a hallmark sign of placenta previa. The bleeding occurs because as the cervix starts to dilate or thin out during late pregnancy, the placenta, which is covering the cervix, gets disrupted, causing blood vessels to tear. This bleeding is usually bright red and painless, though it can sometimes be heavier. Spotting may begin early in the pregnancy or intensify in the third trimester.
- Nausea (A): Nausea is not a typical symptom of placenta previa. Nausea is more commonly associated with early pregnancy and conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum, but it is not linked directly to placenta previa.
- Polyhydramnios (B): Polyhydramnios refers to an excessive amount of amniotic fluid. It is not directly related to placenta previa, and although both conditions can potentially occur simultaneously, polyhydramnios is usually caused by factors such as fetal abnormalities, maternal diabetes, or multiple gestations.
- Uterine tenderness (C): Uterine tenderness is more commonly associated with conditions like abruptio placentae, where the placenta prematurely detaches from the uterine wall, leading to pain and bleeding. In placenta previa, the bleeding is typically painless, and uterine tenderness is not expected.
The primary danger in placenta previa is the risk of significant blood loss during delivery, which can lead to maternal and fetal complications. Depending on the severity, a cesarean section may be required to safely deliver the baby.