Nursing Intervention for Placenta Abruptio

Placenta abruptio

Premature separation of placenta; Ablatio placentae; Abruptio placentae; Placental abruption


Placenta abruptio is the separation of the placenta (the organ that nourishes the fetus) from its attachment to the uterus wall before the baby is delivered.

Symptoms
  • Abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Frequent uterine contractions
  • Uterine contractions with no relaxation in between
  • Vaginal bleeding
Signs and tests

Tests may include:*
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Complete blood count
  • Fetal monitoring
  • Fibrinogen level
  • Partial thromboplastin time
  • Pelvic exam
  • Prothrombin time
  • Vaginal ultrasound
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov


Nursing Intervention for Placenta Abruptio
  • Monitor maternal vital signs and fetal heart rate
  • Assess for excessive vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and increase in fundal height
  • Bed rest, oxygen, IV fluids, and blood products as prescribed
  • Monitor and report any uterine activity
  • Prepare for the delivery of the fetus as quickly as possible
  • Monitor for sings of disseminated intravascular coagulation in the postpartum period
  • Administer Rh immune globulin if the mother is Rh-negative and has not been given the injection at 28 weeks of gestation.