Placental Abruption (Abruptio Placentae)
🚨 Symptoms
Sudden onset abdominal pain (may be severe), dark red vaginal bleeding (may be concealed), uterine tenderness, frequent contractions, fetal distress, back pain
🔍 Causes
Premature separation of normally implanted placenta before delivery; risk factors: hypertension/preeclampsia, trauma (e.g., car accident, domestic violence), smoking, cocaine use, previous abruption, thrombophilia, advanced maternal age, multiple pregnancy
💊 Treatment
Immediate delivery (vaginal if possible, caesarean if fetal distress or maternal instability), blood transfusion, monitoring for complications (DIC, renal failure, postpartum hemorrhage)
📝 Nursing Care
Monitor bleeding, vital signs, fetal heart rate; assess pain level; prepare for emergency delivery; monitor for signs of shock; administer IV fluids and blood products; monitor coagulation status (DIC); provide emotional support
Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.