1. A nurse is caring for a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and who has a suspected placenta previa. Which of

the following findings support this diagnosis?

A. Painless red vaginal bleeding

Rationale: Placenta previa is a condition of pregnancy when the placenta implants in the lower part of the

uterus, partly or completely obstructing the cervical os (outlet to the vagina). Bright red, painless

vaginal bleeding occurs in the second and third trimester.

B. Increasing abdominal pain with a nonrelaxed uterus

Rationale: Abruptio placenta is separation of the placenta from the site of uterine implantation before

delivery of the fetus. When the placenta separates prematurely, there is internal bleeding, which

is painful, and the uterus is nonrelaxed or becomes rigid as the separation advances.

C. Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding

Rationale: Placenta previa involves minimal to severe bright red vaginal bleeding in the absence of

abdominal pain.

D. Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus

Rationale: Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus is a description of normal labor