NCLEX Practice Test

Placental abruption (abruptio placentae) occurs when which of the following events happen?

1. Placenta begins to form abnormally

2. Placenta grows into the uterine wall

3. Placenta partially or completely detaches from the uterine wall prematurely

4. Placenta remains attached longer than normal after delivery

The correct answer is: Placenta begins to form abnormally

The correct answer is when the placenta partially or completely detaches from the uterine wall prematurely. Placental abruption is a serious condition that occurs when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before delivery, potentially leading to complications for both the mother and the baby. This detachment can result in bleeding and can compromise blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, making it a critical situation that requires prompt medical attention. The other options describe different conditions related to the placenta but do not accurately define abruptio placentae. For instance, abnormal formation of the placenta pertains to conditions like placenta previa, where the placenta is incorrectly positioned and might cover the cervix, rather than a premature detachment. Similarly, the placenta growing into the uterine wall describes a condition known as placenta accreta, which is unrelated to placental abruption. The issue of the placenta remaining attached longer than normal after delivery is known as retained placenta and is also distinctly different from placental abruption. Understanding the specific nature of these various conditions is crucial for effective nursing assessment and intervention.