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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Turning the client onto her side is the first action the nurse should take when late decelerations are noted on the fetal monitor. Late decelerations can indicate uteroplacental insufficiency, and turning the client onto her side can improve placental blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Increasing the client’s IV fluid infusion rate can help increase maternal blood volume and improve placental perfusion. However, it is not the first action to take when late decelerations are noted.
Choice C rationale
Palpating the client’s uterus can provide information about the strength, duration, and frequency of contractions, but it is not the first action to take when late decelerations are noted.
Choice D rationale
Administering oxygen to the client can increase the amount of available oxygen for fetal oxygenation. However, it is not the first action to take when late decelerations are noted.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
If the umbilical cord is protruding from the vagina, it’s a medical emergency known as cord prolapse. The nurse should insert a gloved hand into the vagina to relieve pressure on the cord. This is done to prevent cord compression, which could cut off the baby’s oxygen supply.
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