Question

12. After her examination, P.M. states that she is worried because her sister had an ectopic pregnancy and had to have surgery. She asks you, "What are the signs of an ectopic pregnancy?" Which of these are correct? Select all that apply. a. Fullness and tenderness in her abdomen, near the ovaries b. Pain, either unilateral, bilateral, or diffuse over the abdomen c. Nausea d. Dark red or brown vaginal bleeding e. Increased fatigue

Answer 1

The correct options are B: Pain, unilateral, bilateral or diffuse in the abdomen and D: Dark red or brown vaginal bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

• Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo plants itself outside the uterus and not inside the uterus.

• Ectopic pregnancy is usually tough to handle and women usually experience constant abdominal pain that can be sharp, dull or in the form of cramps.

• In most cases, the foetus in unable to survive in this type of pregnancy.

Answer 2

All of the symptoms apply

Step-by-step explanation:

a. Fullness and tenderness in her abdomen, near the ovaries: An ectopic pregnancy occurs outside the uterus, usually at the fallopian tube, where there is no space for a developing embryo, causing rupture of the tube, with subsequent internal bleeding that will go to the abdominal cavity and local swelling, both will cause a tender abdomen.

b. Pain, either unilateral, bilateral, or diffuse over the abdomen: the bleeding and swelling will irritate the parietal peritoneum causing pain.

c. Nausea: the inflammatory response will stimulate the vomiting center

d. Dark red or brown vaginal bleeding: the bleeding of the tube will also go inside the reproductive apparatus travelling down the uterus and reaching the vagina.

e. Increased fatigue: the bleeding will drop the overall oxygen level, generating fatigue.