High-Risk Pregnancy Considerations Flashcards
7 cards from real PMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 High-Risk Pregnancy Considerations flashcards as text
A client at 28 weeks reports sudden severe headache, visual disturbances, and upper abdominal pain. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Immediately refer her to emergency medical care
Sudden severe headache with visual disturbances and upper abdominal pain are classic warning signs of severe preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome requiring emergency care.
Which condition is characterized by the placenta partially or fully covering the cervical os?
Answer: Placenta previa
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants in the lower uterine segment, partially or completely covering the cervical os.
A prenatal massage therapist should avoid deep abdominal work in a client diagnosed with placenta previa because:
Answer: It may stimulate uterine contractions and cause bleeding
Deep abdominal pressure can stimulate uterine activity and risk hemorrhage in placenta previa, where the placenta overlies the cervix.
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of which neonatal complication at delivery?
Answer: Neonatal hypoglycemia
Infants of mothers with gestational diabetes are exposed to excess glucose in utero, causing fetal hyperinsulinism that leads to hypoglycemia after birth.
When massaging a client with symptomatic varicose veins in the legs, the therapist should:
Answer: Avoid direct pressure on varicose veins and work proximal to them
Direct pressure over varicose veins risks rupture or dislodgment of any associated thrombus; work proximal to the veins to encourage drainage safely.
A client with a cervical cerclage (stitch) placed for cervical incompetence should avoid massage techniques that:
Answer: Stimulate uterine contractions or apply sacral pressure
Techniques that may stimulate uterine contractions—including deep sacral or lumbar pressure and certain acupressure points—are contraindicated with cervical cerclage.
In a client with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), which symptom most commonly prompts her to seek massage therapy?
Answer: Intense itching, especially on the palms and soles
ICP classically presents with severe pruritus, particularly on the palms and soles, caused by bile acid accumulation under the skin.