Which assessment finding would be most concerning for a nurse assessing a woman suspected of having abruptio placentae?

The most concerning assessment finding when evaluating a woman suspected of having abruptio placentae is a low fetal heart rate. Abruptio placentae, which is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, can significantly compromise the oxygen supply to the fetus. A low fetal heart rate may indicate fetal distress, which could result from decreased blood flow and oxygenation due to the separation of the placenta, thus it serves as a critical indicator of the fetus's well-being.

In this context, while normal abdominal tenderness and moderate abdominal pain can be associated with various conditions during pregnancy, they do not immediately indicate fetal distress. High levels of anxiety are common in situations involving potential complications, but they do not provide direct information about the fetal condition. Therefore, identifying a low fetal heart rate highlights an urgent need for further clinical evaluation and intervention to protect both the mother and the fetus.