NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamMedical EmergenciesMedium
A 28-year-old female, 30 weeks pregnant, complains of sudden onset of severe, constant abdominal pain and dark red vaginal bleeding. On examination, her abdomen is rigid and tender. She is tachycardic and hypotensive. What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?
- APlacenta previa
- BEctopic pregnancy
- CSpontaneous abortion
- DAbruptio placentae
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Abruptio placentae
The patient's symptoms of severe, constant abdominal pain, dark red vaginal bleeding, rigid and tender abdomen, and signs of shock (tachycardia, hypotension) in a third-trimester pregnant patient are classic for abruptio placentae, where the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Placenta previa typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding.
- B. Ectopic pregnancy occurs early in pregnancy and would not present at 30 weeks gestation with these symptoms.
- C. Spontaneous abortion typically occurs earlier in pregnancy and presents with cramping and bleeding, but not usually the severe, constant pain and rigid abdomen seen here at 30 weeks.
Abruptio Placentae
A serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta detaches from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery.
- Severe, constant abdominal pain
- Dark red vaginal bleeding
- Rigid, tender uterus
- Can lead to maternal shock and fetal distress
Memory trick: Painful Tear, Placenta's Fear