Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is a true statement regarding a threatened abortion?

1. Vaginal bleeding and cramping are present, but the cervix remains closed

2. Vaginal bleeding and cramping are present along with a dilated cervix

3. The fetus and placenta are all expelled

4. The products of conception and the placenta remain inside the uterus along with a dilated cervix

The correct answer is: Vaginal bleeding and cramping are present, but the cervix remains closed

A threatened abortion is characterized by vaginal bleeding and cramping, while the cervix remains closed. This clinical scenario suggests that the pregnancy may still be viable, despite the presence of concerning symptoms. In this situation, management typically focuses on observation and reassurance, as many pregnancies with a threatened abortion can continue to full-term without complications. The correct choice emphasizes that the cervix remains closed, indicating that the pregnancy is not yet lost, which is crucial information for both the patient and the healthcare provider in assessing the likelihood of continuing the pregnancy. Understanding that vaginal bleeding can occur without the cervix being dilated helps in differentiating between threatened and inevitable abortion. Other choices depict conditions associated with miscarriage, where either the cervix is dilated or the products of conception have been expelled, indicating a more advanced stage of complications in the pregnancy.