[aktorque]

A 24-year-old female is in her third trimester and presents with painful vaginal bleeding. She is noted on ultrasound to have premature separation of the placenta from the implantation site. What potential complication would concern you most?


A. Intraperitoneal hemorrhage
B. Preeclampsia
C. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
D. Placenta previa
E. Septic shock

 

[aktorque]

C) Disseminated intravascular coagulation

The correct answer is C) DIC

Did I really confuse you guys. My friend got this one on his real exam. There is only way you can pick up this qn by looking at the buzzwords. The buzzword here is PAINFUL BLEEDING.

This patient has abruptio placentae (premature separation of the placenta from the implantation site). This is sometimes associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Placenta previa presents with PAINLESS bleeding.

Intraperitoneal hemorrhage would be the most feared complication of an ectopic pregnancy.

Septic shock would result from a source of infection, and the question provides no evidence to suggest infection.

Preeclampsia is associated with edema, hypertension and proteinuria.