What is the initial management priority in imminent abortion?

• A. Maintain blood pressure and prevent hypovolemia
• B. Treat ABCs and monitor for hypovolemia
• C. Immediate surgical abortion
• D. Administer antibiotics only

Answer: (B)

In imminent abortion, the top priority is stabilizing the patient by addressing airway, breathing, and circulation, and watching for signs of shock from blood loss. This means ensuring an open airway, providing oxygen if needed, securing IV access, and starting fluid resuscitation to maintain perfusion. Bleeding can lead to hypovolemia quickly, so preventing or treating that risk is essential before moving on to any definitive procedures.

Treating ABCs and monitoring for hypovolemia covers both immediate stabilization and the warning signs that would prompt more aggressive interventions, such as blood products, if hemorrhage becomes worse. Administrative antibiotics aren’t indicated unless there’s an infection, and an immediate surgical abortion isn’t the correct first step during stabilization—definitive management comes after the patient’s hemodynamic status is secure.