New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What occurs during abruptio placenta?

1. The placenta develops over and covers the cervical opening

2. A tear in the placenta causes severe internal hemorrhage

3. The placenta affixes itself to the outer layer of the uterus

4. The placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall

The correct answer is: The placenta prematurely separates from the uterine wall

During abruptio placenta, the placenta separates prematurely from the uterine wall before the delivery of the baby. This condition can lead to significant complications for both the mother and the fetus, including severe bleeding and potential fetal distress due to the decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients following the separation. The premature detachment of the placenta can occur partially or completely and typically manifests with symptoms such as abdominal pain, back pain, and vaginal bleeding. This situation poses serious risks, as the separation may create an environment for internal hemorrhaging, which can be life-threatening for the mother and may compromise the baby's health. In contrast, the other options refer to different conditions or mechanisms regarding the placenta. The development of the placenta over the cervical opening is known as placenta previa, a separate condition that can also lead to complications but involves the placenta being incorrectly positioned. The option discussing a tear in the placenta refers to placental abruption, yet it does not capture the key point of the premature separation. Lastly, the affixation of the placenta to the outer layer of the uterus hints at a condition known as placenta accreta, which involves abnormal adherence, rather than separation.