A nurse is caring for a client who has an abruptio placentae. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Severe abdominal pain: Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which typically causes sudden, severe abdominal pain along with uterine tenderness and rigidity. It is a medical emergency that can compromise fetal and maternal outcomes. B. Delayed menses: Delayed menses is an early sign of pregnancy and not specific to placental abruption. It does not provide relevant diagnostic information regarding acute complications like abruptio placentae. C. Nausea: While nausea is common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes, it is not a hallmark symptom of abruptio placentae and would not typically guide diagnosis in this context. D. First trimester bleeding: Bleeding from abruptio placentae usually occurs in the second or third trimester. First trimester bleeding is more commonly associated with conditions like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.