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.
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While determining the viability of the fetus is an important aspect of prenatal care, it is not the primary purpose of an ultrasound in this scenario. The client’s report of feeling the baby moving suggests that the fetus is likely viable.
Choice B rationale
The primary purpose of the ultrasound in this scenario is to locate the placenta. Heavy, red vaginal bleeding at 38 weeks of gestation could indicate a complication such as placenta previa, where the placenta covers the cervix. An ultrasound can help confirm this diagnosis.
Choice C rationale
Measuring the biparietal diameter is a method used to estimate fetal weight and gestational age. However, in this scenario, the client is already known to be at 38 weeks of gestation, and the sudden onset of heavy, red vaginal bleeding is a more immediate concern.
Choice D rationale
Assessing fetal lung maturity is typically done when there is a risk of preterm delivery. In this scenario, the client is already at 38 weeks of gestation, which is considered full term. The immediate concern is the heavy, red vaginal bleeding.
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.
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