What complication should a nurse monitor for in a patient with a history of incomplete miscarriage?

In a patient with a history of incomplete miscarriage, monitoring for infection is particularly important. An incomplete miscarriage occurs when some, but not all, of the products of conception are expelled from the uterus. This can leave tissue behind, which creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth. As a result, the retained tissue can lead to infection, presenting symptoms such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or increased pain.

Infection is a serious complication that can develop not only from the retained products but also from any procedures that may be performed to address the miscarriage. Therefore, vigilance for signs and symptoms of infection is crucial in this context to ensure prompt treatment, which may include antibiotics or further surgical intervention if necessary.

While complications such as placenta previa, uterine rupture, and fetal demise are associated with pregnancy, they are not directly related to the scenario of an incomplete miscarriage. These conditions have different risk factors and clinical implications, making them less relevant in this particular situation compared to the risk of infection.