In a pregnancy complicated by placental abruption with signs of fetal distress, which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

In a pregnancy complicated by placental abruption with signs of fetal distress, which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. Prepare for emergency vaginal delivery
• B. Prepare for emergency cesarean delivery
• C. Monitor mother only
• D. Administer antihypertensive medication

Answer: (C)

When placental abruption occurs with signs of fetal distress, the priority is to deliver the baby as quickly as possible to relieve hypoxia and prevent deterioration of both fetus and mother. Fetal distress indicates the fetus is not well oxygenated, and delaying delivery increases the risk of fetal demise and maternal bleeding or shock. Preparing for an emergency cesarean delivery is typically the fastest, most controlled way to achieve delivery under these urgent conditions, especially if the mother and fetus are unstable or if rapid delivery is required. While ongoing maternal stabilization, monitoring, and labs are essential, they don’t resolve the fetal distress, and antihypertensive treatment is not the main action unless there is a concurrent hypertensive crisis. The decisive step is to mobilize for urgent delivery, usually by cesarean, to optimize outcomes for both mother and baby.

When placental abruption occurs with signs of fetal distress, the priority is to deliver the baby as quickly as possible to relieve hypoxia and prevent deterioration of both fetus and mother. Fetal distress indicates the fetus is not well oxygenated, and delaying delivery increases the risk of fetal demise and maternal bleeding or shock. Preparing for an emergency cesarean delivery is typically the fastest, most controlled way to achieve delivery under these urgent conditions, especially if the mother and fetus are unstable or if rapid delivery is required. While ongoing maternal stabilization, monitoring, and labs are essential, they don’t resolve the fetal distress, and antihypertensive treatment is not the main action unless there is a concurrent hypertensive crisis. The decisive step is to mobilize for urgent delivery, usually by cesarean, to optimize outcomes for both mother and baby.