When abruptio placentae is diagnosed at term, the nurse should anticipate delivery of the fetus.

• A. Delivery of the fetus
• B. Strict monitoring of intake and output
• C. Complete bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy
• D. The need for weekly monitoring of coagulation studies until delivery

Answer: (A)

When abruptio placentae is diagnosed at term, the priority is delivery. The placenta has already begun to separate, causing bleeding and reducing oxygen transfer to the fetus, while risking heavy maternal bleeding. At term there’s little benefit to prolonging the pregnancy; delivering the fetus allows control of the bleeding source and rapid stabilization of the mother, while resolving fetal distress if present. The exact route (vaginal vs cesarean) depends on maternal and fetal status and cervical readiness, but the plan is to deliver.

Other choices don’t fit because they focus on monitoring or restricting activity rather than resolving the emergency. Strict intake/output monitoring, complete bed rest, or routine weekly coagulation testing until delivery do not address the immediate need to expedite delivery and stabilize both mother and fetus in this scenario.