If a patient experiences pain and difficulty ambulating after a shoulder dystocia delivery, which injury should the nurse suspect?

When a patient experiences pain and difficulty ambulating after a delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia, one potential injury to consider is a symphyseal ligament tear. This injury often occurs due to the excessive lateral traction applied to the fetal head and shoulders during the maneuvering process to resolve shoulder dystocia. The strain on the pelvic ligaments can lead to tearing, which may result in significant pain and an inability to ambulate effectively.

Symptoms of a symphyseal ligament tear include localized pain at the pubic symphysis, radiating pain in the pelvic area, and mechanical instability, which makes it difficult for the patient to move without discomfort. In the context of shoulder dystocia, this injury aligns with the mechanisms involved during delivery, particularly because of the forces exerted during the resolution of the shoulder obstruction.

While other options present potential injuries associated with childbirth, the specific symptoms of pain and ambulation difficulties directly correlate with a symphyseal ligament tear, making it the most likely injury to suspect in this scenario.