A nurse in labor and delivery is caring for a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation. Exhibits Drag 1 condition and 1 client finding to fill in each blank in the following sentence. The client is at risk for developing dropdowndue todropdown.
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale for Correct Options: Placental abruption: This condition involves the premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall, often triggered by hypertensive disorders. The client’s elevated blood pressure (148/94 mm Hg), facial edema, and hyperreflexia point toward preeclampsia, a leading risk factor for placental abruption. Hypertension: Hypertension during pregnancy compromises uteroplacental blood flow, potentially causing vascular damage and leading to placental separation. The client’s reading reflects stage 1 hypertension, which, along with other signs, raises concern for placental complications such as abruption. Rationale for Incorrect Options: Spontaneous abortion: Typically occurs before 20 weeks gestation, making it irrelevant for a client at 30 weeks. There are no signs of fetal loss or cervical dilation in this case. Placenta previa: Presents with painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. This client has no vaginal bleeding or placental misplacement. Chorioamnionitis: This infection would present with fever, uterine tenderness, and fetal tachycardia. The client is afebrile, has clear lung sounds, and shows no evidence of intrauterine infection. Oligohydramnios: Usually detected via ultrasound or significantly low fundal height. The client's fundal measurement (29 cm at 30 weeks) is appropriate, and there’s no mention of decreased amniotic fluid. Hyperreflexia: Although suggestive of preeclampsia, it is a secondary symptom that indicates neurologic involvement and seizure risk rather than directly causing placental abruption. Vomiting: While it may be associated with preeclampsia, it is non-specific and does not independently increase the risk of placental abruption without supporting findings like hypertension or abdominal pain.