Which of the following is not a sign of placental separation?

Appeared in: Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Explanation

A rise in body temperature is a systemic response and not a physiological sign of placental separation.
Fever or an elevated temperature during or after labor is a classic indicator of infection (e.g., chorioamnionitis, endometritis), which is a complication, not a normal event in the third stage of labor.
The recognized signs of placental separation are all physical changes related to the uterus and placenta's position and detachment.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of the signs of placental separation during the third stage of labor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the signs of placental separation is a critical nursing skill for the safe management of the third stage of labor.
These signs indicate the correct time to apply controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta. Premature traction can lead to uterine inversion or a retained placenta.
A nurse's prompt identification of these signs followed by appropriate action helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality.

How to Approach the Question

This is a negative question, asking for the option that is NOT a sign. The strategy is to identify the outlier.
First, recall the core concept: the physiological process and clinical signs of placental separation in the third stage of labor.
Evaluate each option to determine if it is a known sign of separation.
Option A, 'Lengthening of the cord,' is a classic sign of the placenta descending after detachment.
Option B, 'A gush of blood,' is a classic sign of blood being released as the placenta separates.
Option C, 'Fundus rises,' is a classic sign of the uterus contracting and changing shape after the placenta moves down.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of the signs of placental separation during the third stage of labor.
Stem keywords: placental separation, sign
Lead-in keywords: not
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT a sign of placental separation.

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 48-56

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 67-69

Practise the full Uttarakhand CHO - 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.