A nurse is caring for a client who has an ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Abdominal pain
Hydramnios
Profuse vaginal bleeding
Elevated blood pressure
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Abdominal pain is a hallmark of ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube. Tissue stretching or rupture causes localized pain, driven by tubal irritation or internal bleeding, requiring urgent evaluation to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage in affected clients.
Choice B reason: Hydramnios, excessive amniotic fluid, occurs in intrauterine pregnancies, not ectopic ones, which lack a uterine gestational sac. Ectopic pregnancies cannot produce amniotic fluid, as implantation occurs outside the uterus, making hydramnios an irrelevant finding in this condition’s pathophysiology.
Choice C reason: Profuse vaginal bleeding is uncommon in ectopic pregnancy, which typically causes spotting or mild bleeding. Heavy bleeding suggests miscarriage or other conditions. Ectopic pregnancies cause internal bleeding, leading to abdominal pain, not profuse vaginal hemorrhage, a key diagnostic distinction.
Choice D reason: Elevated blood pressure is not typical in ectopic pregnancy unless complicated by pain-induced stress or shock. Internal bleeding from ectopic rupture often lowers blood pressure due to hypovolemia, making hypertension an unlikely finding compared to the expected abdominal pain presentation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring for hypoglycemia is not a priority in bacterial meningitis, as it is not a common complication. The focus is on neurological risks like seizures or increased intracranial pressure due to inflammation. This action diverts attention from critical interventions, making it inappropriate for managing meningitis.
Choice B reason: Implementing seizure precautions is essential for bacterial meningitis, as inflammation of the meninges can irritate the brain, increasing seizure risk. Precautions like padded bed rails and anticonvulsant readiness ensure safety and prompt response, aligning with evidence-based care for this condition, making it the correct action.
Choice C reason: Placing the client in high-Fowler’s position may increase discomfort or exacerbate intracranial pressure in bacterial meningitis. A 30-degree head elevation is preferred to reduce pressure while maintaining comfort. This position is not optimal, making it an incorrect choice for this condition.
Choice D reason: Administering antiviral medications is inappropriate, as bacterial meningitis requires antibiotics, not antivirals, which target viral infections. Misusing antivirals delays effective treatment and worsens outcomes, making this action incorrect and potentially harmful for managing bacterial meningitis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Using two identifiers (e.g., name and medical record number) ensures the correct client receives the medication, preventing errors. This aligns with safety protocols, reducing risks of administering drugs to the wrong person. Verification confirms identity before administration, safeguarding against adverse events and ensuring compliance with standards like The Joint Commission.
Choice B reason: Checking the medication label twice is part of the “rights” of administration but is less specific than using two identifiers for client verification. While important, it addresses medication accuracy, not client identity, which is the primary safety concern to prevent errors, making it less critical in this context.
Choice C reason: Administering medication within 3 hours of the scheduled time relates to timing protocols, not the core action of ensuring safe administration. While timely administration is important, verifying client identity is the priority to prevent errors, as incorrect patient identification can lead to severe adverse events, making this less relevant.
Choice D reason: Administering medications to treat a condition to the actual prescriptions is vague and not a standard safety action. The focus is on verifying client identity and medication accuracy, not a general treatment alignment. This statement does not address a specific, actionable step in safe medication administration, making it incorrect.
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