Maternity Nursing Q 62



Which of the following would be the nurse’s most appropriate response to a client who asks why she must have a cesarean delivery if she has a complete placenta previa?
  
     A. “You will have to ask your physician when he returns.”
     B. “You need a cesarean to prevent hemorrhage.”
     C. “The placenta is covering most of your cervix.”
     D. “The placenta is covering the opening of the uterus and blocking your baby.”
    
    

Correct Answer: D. “The placenta is covering the opening of the uterus and blocking your baby.”

A complete placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the opening of the uterus, thus blocking the passageway for the baby. This response explains what a complete previa is and the reason the baby cannot come out except by cesarean delivery.

Option A: Telling the client to ask the physician is a poor response and would increase the patient’s anxiety.
Option B: Although a cesarean would help to prevent hemorrhage, the statement does not explain why the hemorrhage could occur.
Option C: With a complete previa, the placenta is covering all the cervix, not just most of it.