NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamMedical EmergenciesMedium
A 28-year-old female, 36 weeks pregnant, presents with sudden onset of severe, constant abdominal pain, dark red vaginal bleeding, and a rigid abdomen. She denies trauma. Her vital signs are BP 90/60 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 24 bpm. What is the MOST likely cause of her condition?
- AEctopic pregnancy
- BPlacenta previa
- CPreeclampsia
- DAbruptio placentae
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Abruptio placentae
The symptoms of severe, constant abdominal pain, dark red vaginal bleeding, and a rigid abdomen in a pregnant patient, especially with signs of shock, are classic for abruptio placentae. This is a life-threatening emergency for both mother and fetus.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Ectopic pregnancy occurs early in pregnancy and would not present at 36 weeks gestation.
- B. Placenta previa typically presents with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding.
- C. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine, not typically severe abdominal pain with dark vaginal bleeding and a rigid abdomen.
Abruptio Placentae
A serious pregnancy complication where the placenta separates prematurely from the inner wall of the uterus before birth, leading to bleeding and potential fetal distress.
- Symptoms include sudden, severe, constant abdominal pain.
- Often associated with dark red vaginal bleeding and a rigid 'board-like' abdomen.
- Can lead to maternal hypovolemic shock and fetal compromise.
Memory trick: Painless Bright or Painful Dark?