Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Clients in an antepartum unitA nurse in an antepartum unit is triaging clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A. Painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester (28 weeks) is concerning for placenta previa or abruptio placentae, both potentially life-threatening conditions that require immediate assessment and intervention to prevent maternal and fetal complications. The nurse should see this client first to rule out these serious conditions and initiate appropriate management.
Choice B is incorrect because vaginal spotting in early pregnancy may be indicative of implantation bleeding or early pregnancy complications, but it is not as urgent as painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.
Choice C is incorrect because nausea and vomiting in the first trimester are common symptoms of pregnancy and do not require immediate attention unless severe dehydration or hyperemesis gravidarum is present.
Choice D is incorrect because cough and fever in the third trimester may indicate a respiratory infection or other non-obstetric issue, which is important but not as urgent as painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.
Choice B is incorrect because vaginal spotting in early pregnancy may be indicative of implantation bleeding or early pregnancy complications, but it is not as urgent as painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.
Choice C is incorrect because nausea and vomiting in the first trimester are common symptoms of pregnancy and do not require immediate attention unless severe dehydration or hyperemesis gravidarum is present.
Choice D is incorrect because cough and fever in the third trimester may indicate a respiratory infection or other non-obstetric issue, which is important but not as urgent as painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester.