Which set of findings is typical of placental abruption?

Which set of findings is typical of placental abruption?

• A. Sudden onset abdominal pain with vaginal bleeding and uterine tenderness; fetal distress may be present.
• B. Gradual, painless vaginal bleeding with a soft, non-tender uterus.
• C. Intermittent cramping with no vaginal bleeding.
• D. Fever and uterine contractions only after week 28.

Answer: (A)

Placental abruption presents with a sudden, painful vaginal bleeding and a tender, often rigid uterus, because the placenta partially detaches and causes uterine irritation and bleeding. The fetus may show distress due to reduced placental blood flow. This combination—acute abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, and potential fetal compromise—is characteristic. In contrast, painless vaginal bleeding with a soft, non-tender uterus points to placenta previa, not abruption. Intermittent cramping without vaginal bleeding doesn't fit a placental separation picture, and fever with contractions after week 28 suggests infection or chorioamnionitis rather than abruption.

Placental abruption presents with a sudden, painful vaginal bleeding and a tender, often rigid uterus, because the placenta partially detaches and causes uterine irritation and bleeding. The fetus may show distress due to reduced placental blood flow. This combination—acute abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, and potential fetal compromise—is characteristic.

In contrast, painless vaginal bleeding with a soft, non-tender uterus points to placenta previa, not abruption. Intermittent cramping without vaginal bleeding doesn't fit a placental separation picture, and fever with contractions after week 28 suggests infection or chorioamnionitis rather than abruption.