A nurse is collecting data from a client who has placenta previa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Placenta previa is an obstetric complication in which the placenta abnormally implants in the lower uterine segment, partially or completely covering the cervical os. This positioning makes it prone to bleeding as the cervix begins to thin and dilate. It is a key cause of painless third-trimester bleeding and requires careful monitoring due to the risk of significant maternal hemorrhage. Recognizing its characteristic presentation helps differentiate it from other causes of antepartum bleeding such as placental abruption. Rationale: A. Bright red vaginal bleeding is the hallmark finding in placenta previa and occurs because the placenta is implanted near or over the cervical opening, where minimal cervical changes can disrupt placental attachment. The bleeding is typically painless and can range from mild spotting to severe hemorrhage. This occurs due to separation of placental tissue from the uterine wall as the lower uterine segment stretches. B. A rigid abdomen is more commonly associated with placental abruption rather than placenta previa. In abruption, bleeding occurs behind the placenta, leading to uterine irritability, tenderness, and a firm or board-like abdomen. Placenta previa typically presents without uterine tenderness or rigidity. C. Increased fetal movement is not a characteristic finding of placenta previa. Fetal movement may remain normal unless maternal or fetal distress develops due to significant blood loss. Changes in fetal movement are more related to fetal hypoxia rather than the placental location itself. D. Persistent uterine contractions are not typically associated with placenta previa. In fact, the condition is characterized by a soft, non-tender uterus with painless bleeding. Regular contractions are more suggestive of labor or other obstetric complications rather than placental placement abnormalities.