The priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy is to:
a. Assess fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal vital signs
b. Perform a venipuncture for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
c. Place clean disposable pads to collect any drainage
d. Monitor uterine contractions
ANS: A
Assessment of the FHR and maternal vital signs will assist the nurse in determining the degree of the blood loss and its effect on the mother and fetus. The most important assessment is to check mother/fetal well-being. The blood levels can be obtained later.
It is important to assess future bleeding; however, the top priority remains mother/fetal well-being. Monitoring uterine contractions is important but not the top priority.
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