A nurse is admitting a female client, age 34, who is at 38 weeks of gestation to the labor and delivery unit for induction of labor. For each client finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with abruptio placentae or uterine tachysystole. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process or none at all.

Abruptio Placentae: Typically does not cause increased contraction frequency; contractions may be normal or decreased due to uterine irritation or pain. Uterine Tachysystole: Characterized by more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes, indicating excessive contraction frequency, which can reduce uteroplacental perfusion. Uterine Tone Abruptio Placentae: The uterus often becomes firm, rigid, and tender due to bleeding and inflammation caused by premature placental separation, increasing baseline uterine tone. Uterine Tachysystole: Uterine tone is elevated because contractions are prolonged and close together, causing the uterus to remain tense with insufficient relaxation. Pain Report Abruptio Placentae: Patients usually report sharp, severe abdominal or back pain due to the sudden placental detachment and uterine irritation. Uterine Tachysystole: Pain may be present but is typically related to frequent contractions rather than sharp, localized pain. FHR Pattern Abruptio Placentae: Commonly causes fetal heart rate abnormalities like late decelerations, bradycardia, or absent variability due to fetal hypoxia from compromised placental perfusion. Uterine Tachysystole: Can cause decreased fetal heart rate variability and late decelerations because frequent contractions reduce oxygen delivery during inadequate relaxation.