Home › MCQs › Nursing › Question #9130
Back to Questions
Nursing QUESTION #9130
Question 1
Which of the following is the MOST reliable early indicator of placenta previa in a pregnant woman at 28 weeks?
  • Painful uterine contractions with bright red bleeding
  • Painless, sudden, bright red vaginal bleeding✔️
  • Abdominal rigidity with dark red bleeding
  • Show with associated rupture of membranes
Correct Answer Explanation

Placenta Previa is defined as implantation of the placenta over or near the internal cervical os. Its classic presentation:

  • Painless, sudden, bright red vaginal bleeding — often called 'causeless, painless hemorrhage'
  • No uterine tenderness or rigidity
  • Soft, non-tender uterus
  • May have abnormal lie (transverse/oblique) due to low placental implantation

Compare with Abruptio Placentae:

FeaturePlacenta PreviaAbruption
PainPainlessPainful (knife-like)
Blood colorBright redDark red
UterusSoftWoody hard (Couvelaire)
Fetal heartUsually normalOften abnormal
ShockProportionate to visible lossDisproportionate

NEVER perform vaginal examination in suspected placenta previa — it can precipitate catastrophic hemorrhage. Use ultrasound for diagnosis.