A nurse is caring for a client in the immediate postoperative period following removal of an ectopic pregnancy via salpingostomy. The nurse should prepare to administer Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM or RhiG) as prescribed if the record indicates that the client

The nurse should expect the client to have pelvic pain, as this is the most common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized ovum implants outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube. Pelvic pain can range from mild to severe, and can be unilateral or bilateral, depending on the location and extent of the ectopic pregnancy. Pelvic pain can be caused by tubal distension, rupture, or bleeding.

The other findings are not typical of an ectopic pregnancy and may indicate other conditions.

1. Severe nausea and vomiting are not common signs of an ectopic pregnancy, but they may occur in any pregnancy due to hormonal changes or other factors. Severe nausea and vomiting may also indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a condition where nausea and vomiting are so severe that they cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss.
2. Copious vaginal bleeding is not a usual sign of an ectopic pregnancy, but it may occur if the ectopic pregnancy ruptures and causes hemorrhage. However, copious vaginal bleeding may also indicate other complications such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or spontaneous abortion.
3. Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, but it may indicate a multiple gestation, hydatidiform mole, polyhydramnios, or a large fetus. An ectopic pregnancy usually causes uterine enlargement less than expected for gestational age, as the uterus does not contain a viable pregnancy.

c. Excessive uterine enlargement

A hydatidiform mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease, where the placenta develops abnormally into a mass of cysts that resemble grape-like clusters. A hydatidiform mole can cause excessive uterine enlargement, as the uterus grows larger than expected for the gestational age. The nurse should measure the fundal height and compare it with the expected value based on the last menstrual period or ultrasound.

The other findings are not associated with a hydatidiform mole and may indicate other conditions.

Whitish vaginal discharge is not a sign of a hydatidiform mole, but it may be normal in pregnancy due to increased cervical mucus production. However, if the discharge is foul-smelling, yellow, green, or bloody, it may indicate an infection or a complication such as preterm labor or placental abruption.

Fetal heart rate irregularities are not a sign of a hydatidiform mole, but they may indicate fetal distress or congenital anomalies. A hydatidiform mole usually does not have a viable fetus, and fetal heart tones are absent or very faint. The nurse should use a Doppler device or a fetal monitor to assess the fetal heart rate and rhythm.

d. Rapidly dropping human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels are not a sign of a hydatidiform mole, but they may indicate a spontaneous abortion or an ectopic pregnancy. A hydatidiform mole usually causes very high hCG levels, as the abnormal placental tissue secretes large amounts of this hormone. The nurse should perform a urine or blood test to measure the hCG levels and monitor them for chan