Which of the following is a sign of placental abruption that indicates uterine irritation?

• A. Vaginal bleeding.
• B. Abdominal pain with uterine tenderness.
• C. Fetal movement accelerates.
• D. No uterine tenderness.

Answer: (B)

Placental abruption causes the uterus to become irritated as the placenta detaches and bleeding occurs behind the wall. This irritation shows up most clearly as abdominal pain that is accompanied by uterine tenderness, and the uterus may feel firm or tense as it contracts in response. That combination reflects the myometrial irritation from the detachment and bleeding at the placental site.

Vaginal bleeding can happen with abruption, but it isn’t the sign that specifically points to uterine irritation. Fetal movement changes aren’t a reliable indicator of uterine irritation in this context, and no uterine tenderness would suggest the uterus isn’t irritated, making placental abruption less likely.