What is the definition of a spontaneous abortion?
A pregnancy that ends as the result of natural causes before 20 weeks of gestation, with a fetal weight less than 500 g.
Chromosomal abnormalities account for what percentage of spontaneous abortions?
0.25
What diagnostic procedure uses sound waves to determine the presence of a viable fetus or retained products of conception?
An ultrasound.
What surgical procedure is performed to dilate and scrape the uterine walls to remove its contents after an inevitable or incomplete abortion?
Dilation and curettage (D&C).
In nursing care for a spontaneous abortion, what lay term should be used with clients instead of “abortion”?
Miscarriage.
For a client who is Rh-negative and has experienced a spontaneous abortion, what medication is administered to suppress their immune response?
Rho(D) immune globulin.
A client experiencing a _____ abortion might have mild cramps and slight spotting, but no tissue has passed and the cervix is closed.
threatened
A client with an _____ abortion has mild to moderate cramping and moderate bleeding, but no tissue has passed.
inevitable
Severe cramping, heavy, profuse bleeding, and passage of tissue are characteristic findings of what type of abortion?
Incomplete abortion.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
The abnormal implantation of a fertilized ovum outside of the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube.
Referred shoulder pain after a suspected tubal rupture in an ectopic pregnancy is caused by what?
Blood in the peritoneal cavity irritating the diaphragm or phrenic nerve.
What medication inhibits cell division and dissolves the pregnancy in the medical management of an unruptured ectopic pregnancy?
Methotrexate.
A client taking methotrexate for an ectopic pregnancy should be educated to avoid vitamins containing what substance?
Folic acid.
What is a laparoscopic salpingectomy?
The surgical removal of the fallopian tube, performed when an ectopic pregnancy has ruptured.
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is the proliferation and degeneration of trophoblastic villi in the placenta, taking on the appearance of _____.
grape-like clusters
In a _____ mole, all genetic material is paternally derived, and there is no fetus, placenta, or amniotic fluid.
complete
A key finding in gestational trophoblastic disease is a uterine size that is _____ than expected for the duration of the pregnancy.
larger (rapid uterine growth)
What is the characteristic color of vaginal bleeding associated with gestational trophoblastic disease?
Dark brown, resembling prune juice.
Why is serum hCG analysis performed for up to a year following the evacuation of a molar pregnancy?
To detect for gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), due to the increased risk of choriocarcinoma.
What condition occurs when the placenta abnormally implants in the lower segment of the uterus, near or over the cervical os?
Placenta previa.
What is the hallmark symptom of placenta previa?
Painless, bright red vaginal bleeding during the second or third trimester.
What nursing assessment is contraindicated in a client with known or suspected placenta previa?
Vaginal exams, as they can exacerbate bleeding.
What corticosteroid is often prescribed for a client with placenta previa to promote fetal lung maturation if early delivery is anticipated?
Betamethasone.
What is abruptio placentae?
The premature separation of the placenta from the uterus after 20 weeks of gestation.