In a pregnancy complicated by placental abruption with signs of fetal distress, which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

In a pregnancy complicated by placental abruption with signs of fetal distress, which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. Prepare for emergency vaginal delivery
• B. Prepare for emergency cesarean delivery
• C. Monitor mother only
• D. Administer antihypertensive medication

Answer: (C)

Placental abruption with fetal distress is an obstetric emergency where the fetus may be losing oxygen because of placental separation. In this situation, waiting and watching is not enough—the priority is to deliver the fetus as quickly as possible to improve outcomes for both mother and baby. The nurse should focus on rapid delivery planning, typically by cesarean section when fetal distress is evident and time is critical, while simultaneously stabilizing the mother with IV access, fluids, blood products as needed, and continuous monitoring. Antihypertensive treatment may be part of overall stabilization if indicated, but it does not address the urgent need for delivery. Although vaginal delivery can be considered in some stable cases, fetal distress usually requires expedited delivery to optimize survival and reduce complications.