Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (NCC) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Optimize your study for the Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Test. Utilize interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Prepare confidently for all exam subjects!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

How long after delivery should the placenta be expelled?

Within 15 minutes
Within 30 minutes
Within 1 hour
There is no time limit

The correct answer is: Within 30 minutes

The correct answer indicates that the placenta should be expelled within 30 minutes after delivery. This timeframe is important for ensuring the health and safety of the mother. The third stage of labor, which involves the delivery of the placenta, typically occurs within this timeframe in a normal delivery. When the placenta is retained beyond 30 minutes, there can be increased risk for complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and uterine atony, which can lead to significant maternal morbidity. Health professionals closely monitor this stage to ensure prompt expulsion and address any issues that may arise if the placenta does not deliver in a timely manner. While a short delay may be acceptable in some cases, the 30-minute guideline is the standard that helps promote optimum outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.