Which sign may be palpated on abdominal examination in uterine rupture?

Which sign may be palpated on abdominal examination in uterine rupture?

• A. Palpation of fetal parts in the abdomen
• B. Engagement of fetal head in pelvis
• C. Palpable placental edge
• D. Maternal pulse felt at the fetal position

Answer: (A)

Uterine rupture creates a tear in the uterine wall that allows the fetus to herniate into the abdominal cavity, so fetal parts may become palpable through the maternal abdomen. This abdominally palpable fetal anatomy is a classic clue that the fetus is no longer confined to the uterus, signaling rupture. The other signs don’t fit this scenario: engagement of the fetal head in the pelvis suggests the fetus is still in the uterus and presenting normally; a palpable placental edge points more toward placental issues such as previa rather than rupture; and maternal pulse felt at the fetal position isn’t a recognized or reliable sign of rupture.

Uterine rupture creates a tear in the uterine wall that allows the fetus to herniate into the abdominal cavity, so fetal parts may become palpable through the maternal abdomen. This abdominally palpable fetal anatomy is a classic clue that the fetus is no longer confined to the uterus, signaling rupture. The other signs don’t fit this scenario: engagement of the fetal head in the pelvis suggests the fetus is still in the uterus and presenting normally; a palpable placental edge points more toward placental issues such as previa rather than rupture; and maternal pulse felt at the fetal position isn’t a recognized or reliable sign of rupture.