Final answer:
To confirm a suspected ectopic pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound is typically used, while a laparoscopy may be utilized if further investigation is needed. Ultrasound is a safe and effective diagnostic tool for this and is preferred over other imaging studies during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To confirm a suspected ectopic pregnancy, the nurse anticipates that the most reliable diagnostic test would be a transvaginal ultrasound. This imaging technique allows the healthcare provider to visualize the embryo's location, which in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, will be outside the uterus. If the ultrasound results are inconclusive and further investigation is warranted, a laparoscopy may be performed. During laparoscopy, a tiny camera is inserted into the abdomen allowing direct visualization of the reproductive organs, and the physician can confirm the presence and exact location of an ectopic pregnancy.
In addition to these imaging tests, healthcare providers may also utilize quantitative blood tests to measure levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Rising levels typically accompany a normal pregnancy, but abnormal patterns could indicate an ectopic pregnancy. However, the definitive diagnosis is often achieved through imaging studies, particularly ultrasound, which is considered a safe and the most informative diagnostic tool during pregnancy over other imaging studies like CT scans or X-rays due to the absence of ionizing radiation.