Question

A nurse is caring for a client in the prenatal clinic who has a possible ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Uterine enlargement greater than expected for gestational age
Rationale: In an ectopic pregnancy, the egg is implanted in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. This is not an expected finding for this client.
B. Copious vaginal bleeding
Rationale: Vaginal spotting is an expected finding for a client who has an ectopic pregnancy.
C. Severe nausea and vomiting
Rationale: The client might have an expected amount of nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
D. Pelvic pain
Rationale: The client will experience a dull to colicky pain at the beginning, progressing to a sharp, stabbing pain as the tube stretches.

Answer 1

In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, a nurse would expect to find symptoms such as pelvic pain and vaginal spotting. Severe nausea and vomiting are typical of pregnancy but not specific to ectopic pregnancy, and uterine enlargement may not align with gestational age.

Step-by-step explanation:

Expected Findings in Ectopic Pregnancy

A nurse caring for a client with a suspected ectopic pregnancy would expect to observe certain clinical signs and symptoms. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo fails to reach the uterus, often implanting instead in the fallopian tube, referred to as a tubal pregnancy. Such misplaced implantation can cause significant issues as the pregnancy progresses.

The expected findings in a patient with an ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks of gestation include pelvic pain, which can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation as the fallopian tube is stretched. This pain is a direct consequence of the growing embryo in an unintended location. Vaginal bleeding or spotting is another common sign, which results from implantation in the fallopian tube, leading to bleeding and possibly smooth muscle contractions. Although severe nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of early pregnancy, they are not necessarily indicative of an ectopic pregnancy. Finally, uterine enlargement might not be as pronounced or may correspond to a different time frame in gestation due to the absence of an intrauterine pregnancy.