NCM 109 [Publish Date]

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE NURSING – NCM-109

TOPIC: CARE OF MOTHER, CHILD AT RISK OR WITH PROBLEMS

Name: Kennedy G. Muñoz

Score: (___/19) *60 +40 = ___%
Focus: ABRUPTIO PLACENTA vs PLACENTA PREVIA
SDL Guide Questions:
1. What is common between abruptio placenta and placenta previa? (5 points)
Placental abruption (abruptio placentae) and placenta previa are two
closely related disorders that are easy to mix up even though they have very
distinct pathways, treatments, and interventions. The key point about placental
abruption is that it occurs in a placenta that was implanted normally. Abruptions
are classified from 0 to 3 based on the extent of the abruption. While placenta
previa is a condition in which the placenta has been implanted abnormally, either
near or completely covering the cervix. It is classified based on location. The
difference between placenta previa and placental abruption is that in placenta
previa, the placenta is covering all or part of your cervix. Even though the
placenta is in a complicated position, it’s still attached to your uterus. A placental
abruption is when the placenta detaches from your uterus. Therefore, both
conditions can cause vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and labor .

2. Differentiate abruptio placenta vs placenta previa. (8 points)

Abruptio Placenta Placenta Previa
Description A rare but serious A condition where the
condition of pregnancy. placenta (a temporary
Abruptio placentae is a organ that develops
premature separation of during pregnancy)
the placenta from the covers the opening of the
uterus and would need cervix. It can cause
immediate medical severe bleeding during
attention. pregnancy.
Presence of Pain It usually occurs in the Most observed
last trimester of symptoms include:
pregnancy. Symptoms - Bright red vaginal
include: bleeding without

ARLEEN E. MONTERDE RN MAN 1

NCM 109 [Publish Date]

- Vaginal bleeding pain during the

- Abdominal pain second trimester
- Symptoms of early - Uterine
labor - stomach contractions
pain, uterine - Abdominal pain
contraction, back Complications may
pain include:
- Fetal distress - Bleeding during
If not attended labor can be life-
immediately, abruptio threatening.
placentae can cause - Preterm birth as
severe complications to severe bleeding
the mother and baby. calls for an urgent
Complications that may C-section
occur to the mother
include:
- Blood loss that
requires blood
transfusion
- Kidney failure or
any other organ
failure due to
blood loss
Complications that may
occur to the baby include:
- Restricted growth-
due to lack of
enough nutrients
- Insufficient oxygen
supply
- Premature birth
- Stillbirth
Type of Bleeding Vaginal bleeding, if it Also, the type of bleeding
occurs, may be bright red is vaginal bleeding. The
or dark. A placental placenta is near or
abruption caused by covers the cervical
arterial bleeding at the opening. The greatest
center of the placenta risk of placenta previa is
leads to sudden bleeding (or
development of severe hemorrhage). Bleeding
symptoms and life- often occurs as the lower
threatening conditions part of the uterus thins
including fetal heart rate during the third trimester
abnormalities, severe of pregnancy in
maternal hemorrhage, preparation for labor.

ARLEEN E. MONTERDE RN MAN 2

NCM 109 [Publish Date]

and disseminated This causes the area of the

intravascular coagulation placenta over the cervix to
(DIC). Placental abruption bleed. The more of the
is dangerous because of placenta that covers the
the risk of uncontrolled cervical os (the opening of
bleeding (hemorrhage). the cervix), the greater the
risk for bleeding.
Confirmatory Test Diagnosis includes physical The following laboratory
examination and tests. tests are indicated in
- Physical women with suspected
examination: To placenta previa: Rh
check uterine compatibility test. levels of
tenderness or fibrin split products (FSP)
rigidity. and fibrinogen.
- Blood test: To Prothrombin time
identify possible (PT)/activated partial
sources of uterine thromboplastin time (aPTT)
bleeding. Blood type and cross; hold
- Urine test: To check for at least 4 units.
creatinine levels. Complete blood cell (CBC)
- Ultrasound: To count.
observe the placenta
and its displacement.

3. Using the picture on the next page, identify whether the illustration shows
abruptio placenta and placenta previa. (6 points)
A. Placenta Previa
B. Placenta Previa
C. Placenta Previa
D. Abruptio Placenta
E. Abruptio Placenta
F. Abruptio Placenta

ARLEEN E. MONTERDE RN MAN 3