A nurse is assessing a client who has a grade 2 placental abruption. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale A fetal heart rate (FHR) of 150/min with moderate variability is within the normal range (110-160/min) and suggests adequate fetal oxygenation, which is less indicative of a significant Grade 2 abruption. A Grade 2 (moderate) abruption typically involves 20%-50% placental separation, often resulting in fetal distress like persistent late decelerations or tachycardia as a compensatory response to hypoxemia. Choice B rationale Placenta previa, not abruption, classically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding due to the placenta covering the cervical os. Placental abruption, caused by premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, typically causes bleeding accompanied by significant, severe, and unrelenting abdominal pain due to concealed hemorrhage and uterine irritability. Choice C rationale A soft abdomen suggests a relaxed uterus, which is normal. In Grade 2 placental abruption, blood often becomes trapped between the placenta and uterine wall, causing uterine tetany or hypertonicity (increased muscle tone) and rigidity, which presents as a firm or board-like abdomen that is tender to palpation. Choice D rationale A heart rate of 120/min (tachycardia) in the client is an expected finding in a moderate (Grade 2) placental abruption. The client is experiencing hypovolemia due to hemorrhage (internal and/or external bleeding), which triggers a compensatory sympathetic nervous system response, increasing the heart rate to maintain cardiac output and tissue perfusion.