A nurse is caring for a patient suspected of having an ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation.
Which symptoms should the nurse expect to identify as consistent with the diagnosis?
Large amount of vaginal bleeding.
Severe nausea and vomiting.
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age.
Unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice D rationale
Unilateral, cramp-like abdominal pain. This is a common symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. The pain usually starts on one side of the abdomen after the early stages of pregnancy and may be accompanied by spotting or vaginal bleeding.
Choice A rationale
Large amount of vaginal bleeding. While vaginal bleeding can occur in an ectopic pregnancy, it’s usually light to moderate, not large. Heavy vaginal bleeding is more commonly associated with miscarriage or other conditions.
Choice B rationale
Severe nausea and vomiting. While some women with an ectopic pregnancy may experience nausea and vomiting, these symptoms are common in early pregnancy and are not specific to ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age. This is not a typical symptom of an ectopic pregnancy. In fact, because the pregnancy is not in the uterus, the size of the uterus may be smaller than expected for the gestational age.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a normal part of the process as the body changes to accommodate the growing baby. However, severe abdominal pain is not normal and could be a sign of a serious condition such as preterm labor or an ectopic pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Ballottement refers to a medical sign used in the physical examination of a pregnant woman to detect pregnancy. It involves a quick upward pushing against the uterus and feeling for return impact from the fetus. However, it is not a symptom to report during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
A sudden gush of fluid from the vagina can be a sign of rupture of membranes, which can lead to premature birth if it occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. This is a critical symptom to report as it may indicate that labor is imminent.
Choice D rationale
Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of several serious conditions in pregnancy such as placenta previa or placental abruption. However, light spotting is common in early pregnancy.
Choice E rationale
Quickening refers to the first movement of the fetus felt by the mother, usually between 18 and 25 weeks of gestation. It is not a symptom to report during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy as it helps to make the extra blood (hemoglobin) you need to supply oxygen to the baby. However, while iron is important for both mother and baby during pregnancy, it does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Calcium is crucial during pregnancy as it helps to build your baby’s bones and teeth. However, calcium does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects.
Choice C rationale
Vitamin C is important for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body during pregnancy. It helps the body to make collagen, an important protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. However, Vitamin C does not specifically help to prevent neural tube defects.
Choice D rationale
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a type of B vitamin. It’s very important for all people, including pregnant women. It can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (neural tube defects). Women who are planning to become pregnant should take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.
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