A 32-year-old gravida 2 para 1 at 32 weeks' gestation arrives in the emergency department with a sudden episode of bright red vaginal bleeding. She denies abdominal or back pain, and the uterus is nontender on palpation. Fetal heart tones are reassuring. Which obstetric complication most likely explains this presentation?
Placenta previa classically presents after 20 weeks-most often in the late second or third trimester-with painless, bright red vaginal bleeding because the placenta overlies or is near the internal cervical os. In contrast, placental abruption usually causes painful bleeding with uterine tenderness; vasa previa produces painless bleeding that typically follows membrane rupture and is accompanied by fetal distress; and uterine rupture causes sudden, severe abdominal pain and non-reassuring fetal heart tones. Therefore, placenta previa is the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What causes placenta previa?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How is placenta previa diagnosed?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the potential complications of placenta previa?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access