Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Maternal deaths from obstetric hemorrhage after the first trimester are most commonly associated with placental abruption. This condition occurs when the placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall, leading to significant bleeding that can threaten both the mother and the fetus. Placental abruption is often characterized by abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, and it can reduce blood flow to the fetus, potentially leading to serious complications.

In the context of maternal hemorrhage, placental abruption poses a particularly high risk because it can catch healthcare providers off guard, leading to delays in intervention. The rapid onset of this condition can result in substantial blood loss that may not be easily managed if complications arise, leading to adverse outcomes, including maternal death.

While the other conditions listed, such as placenta previa (which can cause bleeding but typically involves less severity if managed properly), uterine atony (a leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage but not as relevant after the first trimester), and retained placenta (which can occur after delivery), are also causes of hemorrhage, they do not have the same urgent life-threatening implications as placental abruption when considering the timing and reasons for maternal death in the context of obstetric hemorrhage after the first trimester. Therefore, the choice of placental ab