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
Heart rate of 170. A heart rate of 170 is not a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Choice B rationale
Grunting or sighing with respirations. This is a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Choice C rationale
Nasal flaring. This is a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
Choice D rationale
Respirations of 72. This is a symptom of transient tachypnea of the newborn.
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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