Paramedic National Registry Practice

What is a common complication associated with a precipitous delivery?

1. Fetal distress

2. Maternal lacerations

3. Postpartum hemorrhage

4. Placental abruption

The correct answer is: Maternal lacerations

A precipitous delivery is characterized by an abnormally rapid labor and delivery, often occurring in less than three hours. This rapid progression can lead to several complications, and one of the most notable among them is maternal lacerations. The significant concern arises from the speed at which the baby is delivered. The tissue in the perineal region, which includes skin and muscles, may not have enough time to stretch adequately, resulting in tearing. These lacerations can vary in severity and may involve not just the perineum, but also potentially the vaginal walls or even the cervix. The likelihood of this complication increases in cases where the patient has had multiple deliveries, as the tissues may be less able to accommodate the quick stretch required during a fast delivery. Focusing on the other choices, while fetal distress can occur in emergencies during childbirth, it is not an inherent complication of precipitous delivery. Postpartum hemorrhage is a serious condition that may arise after any delivery but is not specifically associated with a precipitous delivery. Placental abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and is not directly related to the speed of delivery. Thus, maternal lacerations stand out as a direct consequence of the rapid nature of a