A nurse is caring for a client in the prenatal clinic who has a possible ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should monitor the urinary output of the client as it can be an important indicator of hydration and renal function. However, in this specific scenario, the administration of oxytocin via IV infusion after a vaginal delivery requires a different focus for evaluating medication effectiveness.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should primarily assess the fundal consistency to evaluate the effectiveness of oxytocin. Oxytocin is often administered after childbirth to promote uterine contractions and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Checking the fundal consistency helps determine if the uterus is contracting appropriately. A firm fundus indicates effective contractions, which are essential for controlling bleeding and preventing complications.

Choice C rationale:

Monitoring the pulse rate is a vital aspect of patient care, but it may not be the most relevant parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of oxytocin. Pulse rate can give information about the client's cardiovascular status and general well-being, but it does not directly assess the medication's impact on uterine contractions.

Choice D rationale:

Similarly, keeping an eye on blood pressure is crucial for patient safety and detecting potential issues like hypertension. However, it is not the primary parameter for evaluating the effectiveness of oxytocin. Blood pressure monitoring is essential for overall health assessment but does not directly relate to the medication's intended effect.

Choice A rationale:
Severe nausea and vomiting are not indicative of an ectopic pregnancy. While nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in early pregnancy, they are not specific to ectopic pregnancies. These symptoms are more likely associated with typical pregnancy changes.

Choice B rationale:
Pelvic pain is a crucial finding that the nurse should expect in a possible ectopic pregnancy. As the pregnancy implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, it can cause sharp and severe pain in the pelvic region. This pain may be unilateral and can be accompanied by shoulder pain due to blood or fluid irritating the diaphragm.

Choice C rationale:
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not likely in an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, uterine enlargement may not be noticeable at all in an ectopic pregnancy since the embryo is not developing in the uterus.

Choice D rationale:
Copious vaginal bleeding is more commonly associated with miscarriages or other complications in intrauterine pregnancies. In an ectopic pregnancy, vaginal bleeding may occur, but it is typically lighter and often described as spotting.