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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choiced. Slightly above the umbilicus.
Choice A rationale:
At 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus is not typically 5 cm above the umbilicus. This measurement would be more consistent with a later stage of pregnancy, around 28 weeks.
Choice B rationale:
The fundus being slightly below the umbilicus is more consistent with an earlier stage of pregnancy, around 20 weeks. At 22 weeks, the fundus should be higher.
Choice C rationale:
The fundus being 3 cm below the umbilicus is also indicative of an earlier stage of pregnancy, not 22 weeks. This would be expected around 18-20 weeks.
Choice D rationale:
At 22 weeks of gestation, the fundus is typically located slightly above the umbilicus.This corresponds with the general rule that the fundal height in centimeters should match the number of weeks of pregnancy, give or take 2 cm.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Potential Condition: Preterm labor. Based on the information provided, the patient is most likely experiencing preterm labor. Actions to Take: Administer tocolytics. If the patient is in preterm labor, the nurse should administer tocolytics to try to stop the contractions. Parameters to Monitor: Frequency of contractions. The nurse should monitor the frequency of contractions to assess the patient’s progress.
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