Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
5. A nurse is caring for a client at 32 weeks' gestation who has been admitted to an obstetrical unit with complete placenta previa. Which symptoms should the nurse identify as being a result of this client's condition? Select all that apply.
. Painless vaginal bleeding.
. Tetanic uterine contractions.
. Premature rupture of membranes.
. Decreased hemoglobin.
. Rigid, boardlike abdomen.
Test-Taking Tip
The important difference between abruption and previa is pain. Abruption is painful with many contractions; previa is painless without contractions.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Pathophysiology
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
. .
Answer 1 is correct because painless vaginal bleeding is the common symptom of complete placenta previa. Answer 2 is incorrect because tetanic uterine contractions are a symptom of placental abruption, not placenta previa. Answer 3 is incorrect because premature rupture of membranes is a symptom of placental abruption, not placenta previa. Answer 4 is correct because the client's hemoglobin level will drop in response to the bleeding caused by a complete placenta previa. It is common to draw serial blood counts to determine when to transfuse the mother or deliver the fetus. Answer 5 is incorrect because a rigid, boardlike abdomen is a symptom of placental abruption, not placenta previa.