MEDizzy - A 24-year-old primigravid client who delivers a viable term

Feed Library Learning Discuss Leaderboard Journal

The Primigravid Client in Labor

A 24-year-old primigravid client who delivers a viable term neonate is ordered to receive oxytocin intravenously after delivery of the placenta. Which of the following signs would indicate to the nurse that the placenta is about to be delivered?

ExplanationThe most reliable sign that the placenta has detached from the uterine wall is the lengthening of the cord outside the vagina. Other signs include a sudden gush of (rather than a decrease in) vaginal blood. Usually, when placenta detachment occurs, the uterus becomes more firm and changes in shape from discoid to globular. This process takes about 5 minutes. If the placenta does not separate, manual removal may be necessary to prevent postpartum haemorrhage.