QUESTION: "A primigravida, admitted to the hospital at 12 weeks' gestation complaining of abdominal cramping, exhibits bright red vaginal spotting without cervical dilation. The nurse determines that the client is most likely experiencing which of the following types of abortion?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) Missed.
( O ) b.) Threatened.
( X ) c.) Inevitable.
( X ) d.) Complete.
RATIONALE: In a threatened abortion, vaginal bleeding or spotting occurs and abdominal cramping may occur. However, the cervix is not dilated. Termination of the pregnancy may or may not be prevented. In a missed abortion, the fetus is dead but has not been expelled from the uterus. Measurement of fundal height reveals no growth. A dead fetus may be seen with an ultrasound. An inevitable abortion is characterized by more bleeding and cramping than that associated with a threatened abortion. The cervix dilates and termination of the pregnancy cannot be prevented. In an incomplete abortion, some but not all of the products of conception have been expelled. Usually the placenta remains. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Analysis CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Health promotion and maintenance CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: None
