Nursing Considerations
If placental abruption is suspected, the nurse should prepare for this type of delivery if the fetal heart rate is abnormal or if maternal condition deteriorates.
c-section
In cases of severe placental abruption with significant blood loss, this medication may be administered to improve maternal circulation and blood pressure.
Vasopressors (norepinephrine, dopamine)
What is the term for bleeding that occurs between the placenta and uterine wall and is not visible externally?
Concealed hemorrhage
Up to what percentage of women who experience severe abdominal trauma may develop placental abruption
40%
What is an inadequate supply of oxygen to the fetus?
Fetal hypoxia
Which maternal position will help enhance uterine perfusion and reduce the risk of hypotension?
Left lateral
In cases of placental abruption, this medication may be given to the mother to prevent or treat seizures if she develops preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Magnesium Sulfate
What is the most common symptom of placental abruption?
Abdominal pain
What percentage of placental abruptions can be identified on ultrasound?
50%
What is a severe complication that can lead to hypovolemic shock?
Maternal hemorrhage
The nurse knows that the woman with placental abruption is most at risk for which type of shock?
Hypovolemic
Which medication might the nurse give to help aid in lung development for the fetus if preterm birth is imminent?
Corticosteroids
What is the most significant maternal risk factor for placental abruption?
HTN or Preeclampsia
What percentage of blood volume can a pregnant woman lose without showing any signs of shock?
40%
What is an adverse pregnancy outcome that results in fetal death
Still birth
The nurse provides care for a newborn who was born via C/S due to placental abruption. The nurse knows which of the following lab values is most important to monitor for fetal anemia?
Hemoglobin
Oxytocic medications are given in the setting of placental abruption for what reasons?
Control hemorrhage and promote uterine contractions
What is the diagnostic tool used to assess the extent of placental abruption?
Ultrasound
If a woman has already had two abruptions, what percentage chance does she have to have another?
25%
This can trigger by placental abruption and cause a life threatening complication where the blood can’t clot properly?
DIC
For a mother who has severe bleeding due to placental abruption, the nurse should administer what to maintain adequate circulation?
IV fluids and blood products as ordered
A patient is diagnosed with placental abruption and has a penicillin allergy. She is found to be GBS+. Which of the following meds is most appropriate to prevent GBS infection in the newborn?
Clindamycin
List at least 4 risk factors for placental abruption.
Trauma, geriatric pregnancy, smoking and drug use, multiple pregnancy, previous placental abruption, placental insufficiency or placenta previa
What is the overall incidence of placental abruption? (1 in...)
1 in 100 births
What organ can fail from a severe placental abruption?
Kidneys