Question

An adolescent is admitted to the hospital with complaints of lower right abdominal pain. The health care provider prescribes laboratory tests to rule out ectopic pregnancy rather than appendicitis. Which of the following is most significant in ruling out an ectopic pregnancy?

a) Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level
b) White blood cell count (WBC)
c) Serum electrolyte levels
d) Urinalysis

Answer 1

An elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level is the most significant laboratory test in ruling out an ectopic pregnancy.

Step-by-step explanation:

An elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level is the most significant laboratory test in ruling out an ectopic pregnancy. In ectopic pregnancies, the hCG levels are lower than expected for a normal pregnancy. However, it is important to note that low hCG levels do not definitively rule out an ectopic pregnancy.