When caring for a laboring patient,the nurse notes the onset of sudden vaginal bleeding at the beginning of cervical dilation.The patient denies any pain.What action by the nurse is best?

Question

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This woman has the classic sign of vasa previa,in which the unprotected fetal vessels cover the cervical os and precede the fetus.This condition is usually seen with a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord.The nurse should conduct a careful vaginal exam,assessing for exposed fetal blood vessels.The patient may need an emergent cesarean delivery.This assessment should come prior to interventions such as positioning.

When Caring for a Laboring Patient,the Nurse Notes the Onset