Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Client at 34 weeks of gestation, at risk for placental abruptionWhich of the following is the most common risk factor for a placental abruption?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Maternal hypertension. Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus before delivery. Hypertension can lead to reduced blood flow to the placenta, increasing the risk of abruption. Maternal battering (A) can cause trauma but is not the most common risk factor. Maternal cigarette smoking (B) and cocaine use (D) can also increase the risk but are not as prevalent as hypertension. Other factors may include advanced maternal age, multiple pregnancies, and previous history of placental abruption.