A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who comes to the emergency department reporting severe abdominal pain in the left lower quadrant.
The provider suspects a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following signs indicates to the nurse that the client has blood in the peritoneum?
Chadwick’s sign.
Chvostek’s sign.
Goodell’s sign.
Cullen’s sign.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Chadwick’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased blood flow. This sign is commonly seen in early pregnancy, but it does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice B rationale
Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability seen in hypocalcemia. It refers to an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve. This sign is not related to a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Goodell’s sign is a significant softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix from increased vascularization. This vascular softening is seen in early pregnancy. It does not indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Choice D rationale
Cullen’s sign is the appearance of bruising in the skin around the umbilicus. It occurs when there is blood in the peritoneum, or intra-abdominal bleeding. In the case of a suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy, Cullen’s sign would indicate the presence of blood in the peritoneum.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for an adult and does not indicate immediate concern.
Choice B rationale: A headache can be a symptom of preeclampsia, but it is not as immediate a concern as the other options unless it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
Choice C rationale: A urinary output of 40 ml in 2 hours is significantly below the normal range. Oliguria (low urine output) can be a sign of renal impairment and magnesium toxicity, which requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: A fetal heart rate of 158/min is within the normal range for a fetus and does not indicate immediate concern.
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.