Page 125 - Critical Maternity & Newborn Health Nursing

Assessment Findings

1. Associated findings. Severe abruption placentae may produce such

complications as:

a. Renal failure

b. Disseminated intravascular coagulation

c. Maternal and fetal death

2. Common clinical manifestation include:

a. Intense, localized uterine pain, with or without vaginal bleeding.

b. Concealed or external dark red bleeding

c. Uterus firm to board like, with severe continuous pain

d. Uterine contractions

e. Uterine outline possibly enlarged or changing shape

f. FHR present or absent.

g. Fetal presenting part may be engaged

Laboratory and diagnostic study findings.

Ultrasound may be able to identify the extent of abruption. However, the

absence of an ultrasound finding does not rule out the presence of

abruption

Nursing Management of The Abruptio Placenta:

1.Continuously evaluate maternal and fetal physiologic status,

particularly:

-Vital signs

-Bleeding

-Electronic fetal and maternal monitoring tracings

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