Which complication is a nurse likely to monitor for in a patient with placenta previa?

In cases of placenta previa, where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, one significant complication that nurses monitor for is anemia. This condition can develop primarily due to maternal hemorrhage, which is a risk associated with placenta previa. If the placenta is situated in such a way that it disrupts normal blood flow or is at risk of detachment or bleeding, the patient may experience significant blood loss, leading to anemia.

Monitoring for anemia involves assessing for symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or paleness and checking hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in laboratory tests. Preventative measures and timely interventions are essential, especially since severe anemia can lead to additional complications for both the mother and developing fetus.

The other options, while related to pregnancy, do not directly correlate with the immediate risks presented by placenta previa in the same way that anemia does, which is why monitoring for anemia is particularly critical in these cases.