The nurse caring for a woman hospitalized for hyperemesis gravidarum would expect that the initial treatment would involve:

A. Enteral nutrition (TPN) to correct nutritional deficits. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is only considered in severe cases where oral and IV hydration fail. The initial treatment focuses on correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances before considering more invasive nutritional support.

B. Small frequent meals. While small, frequent meals may help manage nausea in mild cases of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, they are not sufficient for treating hyperemesis gravidarum, which involves severe, persistent vomiting leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

C. Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids are not the first-line treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum. They may be used in refractory cases where standard treatments fail, but IV fluids and antiemetics are prioritized initially.

D. IV therapy to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The primary concern in hyperemesis gravidarum is severe dehydration and electrolyte disturbances due to excessive vomiting. IV fluids, often with electrolytes and thiamine, are the first step in stabilizing the patient before introducing oral intake.

A. "An ectopic pregnancy does not need major treatment and can be delivered vaginally." This statement is incorrect. An ectopic pregnancy involves the fertilized ovum implanting outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube, which poses serious risks to the mother. The pregnancy cannot be carried to term, and it requires prompt medical intervention, such as medication or surgery, to prevent life-threatening complications.
B. "An ectopic pregnancy involves a fertilized ovum outside the uterus that cannot be transferred to the uterus." This is an accurate explanation of an ectopic pregnancy. The fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes, and cannot develop into a viable pregnancy. The condition requires immediate treatment to prevent tube rupture and internal bleeding.
C. "An ectopic pregnancy involves a cancerous fertilized ovum in either fallopian tube." This is incorrect. An ectopic pregnancy is not cancerous. It refers to a pregnancy where the fertilized ovum implants in an abnormal location outside the uterus, most commonly the fallopian tubes, not involving cancerous growth.
D. "An ectopic pregnancy involves a fertilized ovum in the vagina." This statement is incorrect. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized ovum implants outside the uterus, but it does not implant in the vagina. The condition most commonly involves the fallopian tubes but can also occur in other locations such as the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity.