NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is a common symptom of spontaneous abortion?

1. Severe abdominal cramping

2. High fever and chills

3. Persistent cough and wheezing

4. Profuse vaginal bleeding

The correct answer is: Profuse vaginal bleeding

Profuse vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of spontaneous abortion. Spontaneous abortion, also known as miscarriage, occurs when a pregnancy ends on its own before the fetus can survive outside the uterus. During this process, the body expels the contents of the uterus, often accompanied by a significant amount of vaginal bleeding. This bleeding may vary in intensity and can be accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or cramping. However, the prominence of vaginal bleeding makes it a key indicator of a potential spontaneous abortion. Recognizing this symptom is crucial in the clinical setting for proper assessment and management of the patient. The other options listed typically do not correlate with spontaneous abortion. For instance, severe abdominal cramping can occur but is not as distinctly indicative as profuse bleeding. High fever and chills or persistent cough and wheezing are symptoms that would suggest other medical concerns unrelated to spontaneous abortion.