The nurse is aware the greatest source of bleeding during childbirth occurs following detachment of the placenta. Which physiological change takes place immediately after the expulsion of the placenta to decrease the amount of blood loss?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Contractions of the uterine myometrium. After the placenta is expelled, the uterine myometrium contracts, causing compression of blood vessels at the site of placental detachment, which helps to decrease blood loss. This contraction also helps to close off blood vessels and reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Summary of other choices:
B: Factor VIII complex increases during gestation - Factor VIII is involved in blood clotting, but its increase during gestation is not directly related to decreasing blood loss after placental expulsion.
C: Platelet activity increases before labor and delivery - While platelet activity is important for blood clotting, the increase before labor and delivery does not specifically address the immediate decrease in blood loss after placental expulsion.
D: Fibrin formation increases before the birth occurs - Fibrin formation is part of the clotting process, but its increase before birth does not directly address the immediate decrease in blood loss post