A nurse is caring for a client who is suspected to have an ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation. What symptoms should the nurse expect to observe that are consistent with this diagnosis?
Unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain.
Severe nausea and vomiting.
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age.
Large amount of vaginal bleeding.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
An ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus, often presents with unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain. This is because as the fertilized egg grows in an area where it cannot survive, it can cause irritation and bleeding, leading to pain. This pain is often one-sided or unilateral and can vary from mild to severe. It’s one of the key symptoms that can suggest an ectopic pregnancy in the early weeks of gestation.
Choice B rationale
Severe nausea and vomiting are not typically the primary symptoms associated with an ectopic pregnancy. While nausea can be a symptom of early pregnancy, severe nausea and vomiting alone without other symptoms would not necessarily indicate an ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age is not a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, because the pregnancy is not in the uterus, the size of the uterus may not correlate with the expected size at the given gestational age.
Choice D rationale
While vaginal bleeding can occur in an ectopic pregnancy, it is not typically a large amount. The bleeding is often lighter than normal menstrual bleeding and may be associated with a change in color of the vaginal discharge.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a nurse notes that a client’s blood pressure is 60/50 mm Hg two hours after giving birth, the first action should be to evaluate the firmness of the uterus. This is because a soft or “boggy” uterus could indicate uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding and a drop in blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Administering oxytocin infusion can help stimulate uterine contractions and control postpartum bleeding. However, it is not the first action to take. The nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a type and crossmatch is important if a blood transfusion is required. However, this is not the first action. The nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Choice D rationale
Initiating oxygen therapy can help ensure adequate oxygen supply to the tissues, but it is not the first action. The nurse should first assess the firmness of the uterus.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Intermittent abdominal pain following the passage of bloody mucus can be a sign of labor or other complications, but it is not a typical finding that supports the diagnosis of placenta previa.
Choice B rationale
Painless red vaginal bleeding is a classic symptom of placenta previa. This occurs because the placenta is covering part or all of the cervix, leading to bleeding as the cervix begins to thin and open in preparation for labor.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal pain with scant red vaginal bleeding could indicate various conditions, but it is not a typical finding that supports the diagnosis of placenta previa.
Choice D rationale
Increasing abdominal pain with a non-relaxed uterus could indicate various conditions, but it is not a typical finding that supports the diagnosis of placenta previa.
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