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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While it might seem helpful to offer to tell the parents for the client, it’s important to respect the client’s autonomy and confidentiality. The nurse should support the client in making their own decisions about disclosure.

Choice B rationale

It’s not necessarily true that the parents will have to be told why the client is being admitted. Confidentiality is a key aspect of healthcare, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like sexually transmitted infections.

Choice C rationale

This response is empathetic and non-judgmental. It acknowledges the client’s feelings and opens up a conversation without forcing any action. This allows the client to feel heard and supported, which is crucial in a healthcare setting.

Choice D rationale

While this response might be well-intentioned, it assumes that the parents will understand and doesn’t acknowledge the client’s fear or concern. It’s important for the nurse to validate the client’s feelings and provide support.

A. Abdominal pain. B. Ballottement. C. Sudden gush of fluid from the vagina. D. Vaginal bleeding. E. Quickening.

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.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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?