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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Aspirin is not typically recommended for cramps following a D&C. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are usually suggested for pain relief. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, which is not desirable after a surgical procedure like a D&C2.

Choice B rationale

Products of conception will not be present in vaginal bleeding after a D&C. The purpose of a D&C is to remove tissue from the uterus, including any remaining products of conception following a miscarriage.

Choice C rationale

While a balanced diet is always important, there’s no specific recommendation for an increased intake of zinc-rich foods following a D&C. Good nutrition can support healing, but there’s no need to focus specifically on zinc.

Choice D rationale

Vaginal intercourse can be resumed after 2 weeks following a D&C. This allows time for the cervix to close and any post-procedure bleeding to stop. It’s also important to prevent infection.

A. Abdominal pain. B. Ballottement. C. Sudden gush of fluid from the vagina. D. Vaginal bleeding. E. Quickening.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Abdominal pain during pregnancy can be a normal part of the process as the body changes to accommodate the growing baby. However, severe abdominal pain is not normal and could be a sign of a serious condition such as preterm labor or an ectopic pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

Ballottement refers to a medical sign used in the physical examination of a pregnant woman to detect pregnancy. It involves a quick upward pushing against the uterus and feeling for return impact from the fetus. However, it is not a symptom to report during pregnancy.

Choice C rationale

A sudden gush of fluid from the vagina can be a sign of rupture of membranes, which can lead to premature birth if it occurs before 37 weeks of gestation. This is a critical symptom to report as it may indicate that labor is imminent.

Choice D rationale

Vaginal bleeding can be a sign of several serious conditions in pregnancy such as placenta previa or placental abruption. However, light spotting is common in early pregnancy.

Choice E rationale

Quickening refers to the first movement of the fetus felt by the mother, usually between 18 and 25 weeks of gestation. It is not a symptom to report during pregnancy.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the ambulatory surgery center is providing discharge teaching to a client who had a dilation and curettage (D&C) following a spontaneous miscarriage.Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When assessing a patient’s understanding of symptoms to report during her pregnancy, which statement would indicate to the nurse that the patient comprehends the information provided?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is about to measure the fundal height of a patient who is 22 weeks pregnant. Where should the nurse anticipate feeling the fundus?

A nurse in a family planning clinic is caring for a 17-year-old female client who is requesting oral contraceptives.The client states that she is nervous because she has never had a pelvic examination.Which response should the nurse make?

A nurse in a college health clinic is speaking to a group of adolescents about toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching as increasing the risk for contracting TSS?

A nurse is admitting a client who is 33 weeks pregnant and diagnosed with placenta previa. What is the priority nursing action?

The nurse is planning instructions for a patient desiring to have a tubal ligation.Which information should the nurse emphasize when teaching the patient?

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?