A client presents to labor and delivery at 36-weeks gestation reporting bright red vaginal bleeding without contractions. Which result should the nurse review first in the client's medical record?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. ABO blood group and Rh status: Knowing the client’s blood type and Rh factor is important in preparation for potential transfusion or Rh immunoglobulin administration but it is not the most urgent information to review initially when assessing acute vaginal bleeding. B. Ultrasound report to confirm gestational age: Confirming gestational age is useful for overall assessment and planning, but it does not provide immediate guidance for managing active, bright red bleeding. C. Hemoglobin and hematocrit drawn at 28-weeks: Previous hemoglobin and hematocrit values provide a baseline for assessing blood loss, but these values are outdated and do not reflect the client’s current status in the context of acute bleeding. D. Location of placenta on ultrasound report: The location of the placenta is critical to determine if the client may have placenta previa, which is a leading cause of painless, bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.