Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

According to guidelines, how long must a patient with placenta previa remain free of bleeding before discharge?

1. 24 hours

2. 48 hours

3. 72 hours

4. 96 hours

The correct answer is: 72 hours

In the context of managing a patient with placenta previa, it is critical to ensure that the patient has been stable and free from any episodes of vaginal bleeding prior to discharge. Adhering to established guidelines, a patient must remain free of bleeding for a minimum of 72 hours to help ensure that any potential risks associated with the condition have mitigated. This 72-hour observation period allows healthcare providers to monitor for any changes in the patient's status, ensuring that there is no further bleeding which could indicate complications. Placenta previa can pose significant risk of hemorrhage, so this guideline is formulated with patient safety in mind, ensuring that the patient is stable enough for discharge and reducing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. The other durations provided are either too short or too long in the context of the recommended care standards for placenta previa. Setting an adequate observation window helps in maintaining the safety and health of the mother and the fetus.