Challenge Your Exam Readiness With Our Free Paramedic Practice Questions

Placenta previa—placental implantation over or near the cervical os—classically presents in the third trimester with painless, bright red bleeding. By contrast, placental abruption often involves painful contractions, uterine tenderness, and dark bleeding due to placental separation; uterine rupture is typically catastrophic with severe pain and hemodynamic compromise. In the field, do not perform vaginal exams. Place the patient in left lateral tilt to optimize venous return, establish IV access, monitor vitals, and prepare for significant hemorrhage. Administer oxygen if hypoxemic and monitor fetal movement if the patient can report it; fetal monitoring is hospital-based. Rapid transport to obstetric-capable care is essential. Paramedic OB objectives emphasize hemorrhage recognition, avoidance of digital exams, and readiness for shock management. Trauma can precipitate bleeding in previa due to shear at the placental interface. Reassure the patient, maintain normothermia, and communicate estimated blood loss. Definitive diagnosis and management (e.g., C-section) are hospital responsibilities.