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A nurse is caring for a 30-year-old female client who is at 20 weeks of gestation in the labor and delivery unit.

Exhibits

For each of the listed client findings, click to specify if the finding is consistent with ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

A.

Client report of abdominal pain

B.

Blood pressure

C.

Ultrasound results

D.

Perineal pad findings

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}

Rationales for Each Condition

Molar Pregnancy

  1. Abdominal Pain: In a molar pregnancy, the uterus enlarges disproportionately due to abnormal trophoblastic growth. This excessive expansion can cause discomfort or mild cramping.
  2. Blood Pressure: Molar pregnancies can be associated with gestational trophoblastic disease, which may lead to preeclampsia-like symptoms. However, this client’s blood pressure is currently within normal limits (120/78 mm Hg), so severe hypertension has not yet developed.
  3. Ultrasound Findings: The presence of grape-like vesicles within the uterus and the absence of a fetal heartbeat are hallmark findings of a molar pregnancy, indicating abnormal placental tissue proliferation.
  4. Perineal Pad Findings: The passage of small clear vesicles is a characteristic feature of a molar pregnancy, distinguishing it from other causes of vaginal bleeding in pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy

  1. Abdominal Pain: Ectopic pregnancies often cause sharp lower abdominal pain due to tubal rupture or irritation. However, in this case, the client’s pain is mild and less suggestive of tubal rupture.
  2. Blood Pressure: If an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, hypotension due to internal bleeding would be expected. Since the client’s blood pressure is normal, this finding does not support an ectopic pregnancy.
  3. Ultrasound Findings: The absence of a fetal heartbeat and vesicular structures inside the uterus make ectopic pregnancy unlikely, as ectopic pregnancies typically occur in the fallopian tube.
  4. Perineal Pad Findings: Ectopic pregnancies rarely cause the passage of vesicular tissue, further suggesting that this is not an ectopic pregnancy.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

The ventrogluteal muscle, located in the hip, is a safe site for intramuscular injections in adults and children older than seven months due to its distance from major nerves and blood vessels. However, the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh is the preferred site for IM injections in newborns and infants due to its well-developed muscle mass and accessibility.

Choice B rationale

The deltoid muscle, located in the upper arm, is small and not well-developed in newborns, making it an unsuitable site for intramuscular injections. There is also a risk of injury to the brachial nerve and blood vessels in this area in neonates.

Choice C rationale

The dorsogluteal muscle, located in the buttocks, is no longer the recommended site for intramuscular injections in infants and young children due to the proximity of the sciatic nerve and major blood vessels, increasing the risk of nerve damage.

Choice D rationale

The vastus lateralis muscle, located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, is the recommended site for intramuscular injections in newborns. It is a large, well-developed muscle that is easily accessible and away from major nerves and blood vessels, making it a safe and effective site for administering vitamin K to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

The latent phase of labor is the longest and often the least intense phase, characterized by mild, infrequent contractions and gradual cervical dilation (0-3 cm). During this time, the woman is typically more receptive to learning and can concentrate better, making it the ideal phase to teach non-pharmacologic pain control methods such as breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and positioning.

Choice B rationale

The active phase of labor (4-7 cm dilation) is characterized by more frequent and intense contractions, making it harder for the laboring woman to concentrate and learn new pain management techniques. Reinforcement of previously learned techniques is more appropriate at this stage.

Choice C rationale

The transition phase (8-10 cm dilation) is the most intense and shortest phase of the first stage of labor. The woman is likely experiencing significant discomfort and may have difficulty focusing on learning new pain control methods.

Choice D rationale

The second stage of labor begins with complete cervical dilation (10 cm) and ends with the birth of the baby. The focus during this stage is on pushing and delivering the baby, making it an inappropriate time to teach non-pharmacologic pain control methods for labor.

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