A client at 38 weeks' gestation is admitted to the unit after complaining of painful, moderate vaginal bleeding of dark, clotted blood. A series of diagnostic and laboratory tests verify that the client is experiencing abruptio placenta. The fetal heart rate is 180 beats per minute. Which of the following actions is the priority action of the nurse midwife?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority action of the nurse midwife is to prepare the client for cesarean delivery, order the necessary diagnostic tests and crossmatch about 4 units of packed red blood cells. The main goal when caring for a client with abruptio placenta at term is to deliver the infant, either through vaginal or cesarean birth. Options A and D are more appropriate for clients who are not at term.

A Client at 38 Weeks' Gestation Is Admitted to the Unit