Uterine Rupture Practice Exam

EXPLANATION

✔Correct answer:

Uterine tetany. Uterine tetany refers to sustained, intense uterine contractions without relaxation between them. During the induction of labor, the use of medications like oxytocin can overstimulate the uterus, leading to this condition. Uterine tetany is particularly dangerous because it can compromise fetal oxygenation by reducing uteroplacental blood flow, potentially leading to fetal distress or even uterine rupture if not addressed promptly. Therefore, Nurse Taylor should be especially vigilant for signs of uterine tetany during labor induction.

Normally, the uterus contracts and then relaxes between contractions, allowing for adequate blood flow to the placenta and oxygen exchange for the fetus. In uterine tetany, the lack of relaxation between contractions can reduce or stop the flow of blood to the placenta, leading to hypoxia and potential fetal distress. This situation can escalate quickly, making immediate intervention critical to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus.

Imagine squeezing a stress ball (the uterus) and then letting go so it returns to its normal shape. If you keep squeezing without letting go (uterine tetany), the ball stays compressed, and nothing flows in or out (like blood flow being restricted), which can cause significant issues over time.

When monitoring a patient during labor induction, it is crucial to recognize and respond to signs of uterine tetany promptly. Ensuring the safety of both mother and fetus requires careful monitoring, timely interventions, and ongoing communication with the healthcare team. Key nursing actions include:

• Monitor uterine contractions closely using a tocodynamometer, noting the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions.
• If signs of uterine tetany are observed, immediately reduce or discontinue the oxytocin infusion to allow the uterus to relax.
• Monitor fetal heart rate continuously for signs of distress, such as decelerations, which may indicate compromised fetal oxygenation.
• Prepare to administer a tocolytic agent, such as terbutaline, to relax the uterus if uterine tetany does not resolve quickly.
• Maintain open communication with the healthcare provider to discuss potential interventions, including an emergency cesarean section if necessary.

✘Incorrect answer options:

Severe pain. While severe pain during labor is a concern and warrants attention, it is not as specific or immediately dangerous as uterine tetany. Severe pain can have many causes, and while it should be managed, it does not directly indicate a life-threatening situation like uterine tetany does.

Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a concern during labor, especially if the patient has diabetes. However, it is not directly related to the process of labor induction and does not present the same immediate risk to fetal well-being as uterine tetany.

Umbilical cord prolapse. Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious obstetric emergency where the cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby, potentially leading to cord compression and fetal distress. However, this condition is not directly associated with the induction of labor and is more related to the position of the fetus and other mechanical factors. While it is a critical condition, it is not something that Nurse Taylor would specifically monitor for during the induction process.

EXPLANATION

✔Correct answer:

During a uterine contraction. Bearing down, also known as pushing, is an essential part of the second stage of labor when the cervix is fully dilated, and the baby is descending through the birth canal. Nurse Simmons should coach the laboring mother to bear down during a uterine contraction because the combined force of the contraction and the mother's pushing efforts increases the efficiency of each push, facilitating the baby's descent and eventual birth. Coordinating the bearing down effort with the contraction ensures that the mother’s efforts are maximized, and it helps reduce the duration of the second stage of labor.

Uterine contractions naturally assist in pushing the baby down the birth canal by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. When the mother bears down during a contraction, the added pressure from her abdominal muscles further propels the baby toward delivery. This is important because the baby’s head must overcome resistance as it navigates the birth canal. Bearing down during contractions leverages the body’s natural rhythm, making each push more effective and reducing the need for prolonged or excessive pushing.

Imagine trying to push a heavy cart up a hill. If you push when there’s momentum (like during a contraction), it’s easier to keep the cart moving forward. If you try pushing when the cart isn’t moving (in between contractions), it requires more effort and is less effective.

When coaching a laboring mother on bearing down, it’s important to ensure she is doing so at the appropriate times to optimize the effectiveness of each push and to protect both her and the baby from unnecessary strain. Key nursing actions include:

• Encourage the mother to wait until she feels a strong urge to push, typically when the baby’s head is descending and she feels pressure in the rectal area.
• Guide the mother to bear down with each contraction by taking a deep breath, holding it, and pushing with sustained effort.
• Offer verbal encouragement and reassurance, helping her focus her energy during the peak of each contraction.
• Monitor the fetal heart rate closely during pushing to ensure that the baby is tolerating the labor process well.
• Provide rest periods between contractions to conserve the mother’s energy and prevent fatigue.

✘Incorrect answer options:

When she feels pressure in the rectal area. While the sensation of pressure in the rectal area is a sign that the baby is descending and may indicate that the mother is ready to push, it is not the correct time to bear down. The mother should wait for a contraction to bear down effectively.

In between uterine contractions to prevent uterine rupture. Bearing down in between contractions is not advised because it is less effective and can lead to maternal fatigue without providing significant benefit to the labor process. The correct time to bear down is during a contraction when the force of the uterine muscles can assist.

Anytime she feels like bearing down. Bearing down should be coordinated with uterine contractions to ensure the most effective pushing. If the mother bears down at any time, it can lead to ineffective pushing, increased fatigue, and possibly prolonged labor.

EXPLANATION

✔Correct answer:

Use of forceps during delivery. Uterine rupture is a serious obstetric emergency where the uterine wall tears during labor. This risk is heightened with the use of forceps, especially if there is excessive traction or if the mother has a history of cesarean section or uterine surgery. Forceps delivery involves applying mechanical force to assist the baby’s delivery, which can increase the stress on the uterine wall. If the uterus has pre-existing weaknesses, such as scars from previous surgeries, the force exerted by forceps can lead to uterine rupture.

Uterine rupture typically occurs when the uterine wall tears under excessive stress, which can lead to severe maternal hemorrhage and fetal distress. Forceps are used to assist the delivery of the baby by grasping the fetal head and guiding it out of the birth canal. However, if not used carefully, forceps can exert too much pressure on the uterine wall, especially in cases where the uterine tissue is already compromised, leading to a rupture.

Imagine the uterus as a balloon that has a patched area from a previous tear (like a uterine scar). If you squeeze the balloon too hard in an attempt to push air out (similar to using forceps during delivery), the patched area could burst (uterine rupture).

Nurses should closely monitor the mother's vital signs, uterine activity, and fetal heart rate during and after the use of forceps. This includes being prepared for emergency interventions, such as a cesarean section, if signs of uterine rupture or fetal distress occur. Additionally, educating the mother and her family about the risks associated with forceps use and the signs of uterine rupture is critical.

• Monitor vital signs and uterine activity during and after forceps delivery.
• Be prepared for emergency interventions if signs of uterine rupture occur.
• Educate the mother and her family about the risks associated with forceps use.

✘Incorrect answer options:

Hypotonic contractions. Hypotonic contractions are characterized by weak and infrequent contractions that may prolong labor but do not directly increase the risk of uterine rupture. The primary concern with hypotonic contractions is inadequate labor progress, not the tearing of the uterine wall.

Schultz mechanism of placental delivery. The Schultz mechanism refers to the manner in which the placenta is delivered, with the fetal side presenting first. This is a normal variation in placental delivery and does not increase the risk of uterine rupture.

Weak bearing down efforts. Weak bearing down efforts during the second stage of labor may slow the progress of delivery, but they do not pose a direct risk for uterine rupture. In fact, weak efforts typically exert less force on the uterus, reducing the likelihood of rupture.

EXPLANATION

✔Correct answer:

Limiting hypovolemic shock. Uterine rupture is a catastrophic obstetric emergency that can lead to severe hemorrhage, resulting in hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a significant loss of blood or fluid, leading to inadequate circulation, decreased oxygen delivery to vital organs, and, if not managed promptly, death. In the event of a uterine rupture, Nurse Green’s immediate priority should be to limit hypovolemic shock by rapidly initiating interventions to control bleeding, restore circulating blood volume, and stabilize the patient’s cardiovascular status.

During a uterine rupture, the torn uterus can lead to massive intra-abdominal bleeding. As blood volume decreases, the body’s ability to perfuse tissues and organs is compromised, leading to the symptoms of hypovolemic shock such as hypotension, tachycardia, and decreased urine output. Prompt fluid resuscitation and blood transfusions are critical to restoring the patient’s circulating volume and preventing further complications like organ failure.

Imagine a car's engine that suddenly loses most of its oil (representing blood). If you don’t immediately refill the oil, the engine will overheat and fail (similar to how organs fail without blood). The first priority would be to replace the lost oil (control bleeding and replace fluids) to keep the engine running (maintain organ function).

To limit hypovolemic shock during a uterine rupture, immediate and focused actions are necessary. Key nursing interventions include:

• Activate the emergency response team and call for immediate obstetric and surgical assistance.
• Initiate large-bore IV access (if not already in place) and begin rapid infusion of IV fluids (e.g., normal saline or lactated Ringer's) to maintain blood pressure.
• Prepare for and administer blood products as quickly as possible to replace lost blood volume.
• Monitor vital signs continuously, with special attention to blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation.
• Administer oxygen to optimize oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Be prepared for an emergency cesarean section or surgical repair to control the source of bleeding.

✘Incorrect answer options:

Obtaining blood specimens. While obtaining blood specimens is important for determining the patient's blood type and hemoglobin levels, it is not the immediate priority in the event of a uterine rupture. The focus should be on preventing and managing hypovolemic shock by stabilizing the patient’s condition.

Instituting complete bed rest. Bed rest is not an appropriate intervention for uterine rupture. The priority should be emergency management to control bleeding and stabilize the patient rather than focusing on physical activity restrictions.

Inserting a urinary catheter. Inserting a urinary catheter may be necessary to monitor urine output, which is a critical indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. However, this is not the immediate priority when uterine rupture occurs. The first and foremost intervention should be to address the bleeding and prevent shock.

EXPLANATION

✔Correct answer:

Uterine rupture. Uterine rupture is a life-threatening condition where the uterine wall tears, leading to severe complications for both the mother and the fetus. In this scenario, the patient has a history of a C-section, which is a significant risk factor for uterine rupture due to the presence of a scarred uterus. The sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, followed by a brief period of relief and subsequent loss of consciousness, strongly suggests uterine rupture. The tetanic contractions (continuous, strong contractions) and the sudden improvement in pain after vomiting indicate that the uterus may have ruptured, temporarily relieving the pressure but causing catastrophic internal bleeding, leading to the patient's unconsciousness.

A previous C-section scar can weaken the uterine wall, making it more susceptible to rupture during subsequent pregnancies. When the uterus ruptures, the contents of the uterus, including the fetus, can be expelled into the abdominal cavity, causing severe pain, hemorrhage, and a rapid decline in maternal condition. The brief relief in pain can occur when the pressure from the uterus is suddenly released, but the underlying condition remains critical.

Imagine a water balloon (the uterus) that has a weak spot or a small tear. If you press on the balloon too much (like strong contractions), the tear can suddenly widen, causing the water to spill out rapidly. The initial pressure might decrease (pain relief), but the damage is severe, leading to a collapse (loss of consciousness).

This situation is a medical emergency. Immediate interventions include calling for an obstetric emergency team, preparing for an emergency cesarean section, and ensuring that resuscitative measures are in place for both the mother and the fetus. Monitoring vital signs, initiating IV access for fluid resuscitation, and providing oxygen are critical steps.

• Immediately activate emergency protocols and call for assistance.
• Prepare for emergency surgery (e.g., cesarean section) to manage uterine rupture and save the mother and fetus.
• Monitor maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate continuously.
• Administer IV fluids and blood products as needed to manage hemorrhage.
• Provide emotional support to the patient and her family.

✘Incorrect answer options:

Hysteria compounded by the flu. While severe stress or emotional distress can cause physical symptoms, the clinical presentation of severe abdominal pain, tetanic contractions, brief pain relief after vomiting, and subsequent loss of consciousness is far more consistent with a physical, not psychological, cause, particularly in a pregnant patient with a history of C-section.

Placental abruption. Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall, can cause severe pain, bleeding, and uterine contractions. However, the brief relief of pain and subsequent loss of consciousness are more characteristic of uterine rupture rather than placental abruption. Additionally, tetanic contractions and the sudden improvement in pain are not typical of placental abruption.

Dysfunctional labor. Dysfunctional labor typically refers to abnormal uterine contractions leading to prolonged or difficult labor. It does not account for the severe abdominal pain, the sudden relief, and the loss of consciousness observed in this case. Uterine rupture is a far more likely explanation given the patient's history and symptoms.