Final answer:
Surgical intervention is often involved in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy, especially when diagnosed later or if there is a rupture. Early detection may be managed with methotrexate, while ultrasound and blood tests are diagnostic tools, not treatment exclusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Ectopic Pregnancy
The correct answer to the student's question regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for an ectopic pregnancy is that they often involve surgical intervention. Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where the embryo implants outside the uterine cavity, commonly in the fallopian tubes, and requires immediate medical attention. When an ectopic pregnancy is detected early, methotrexate, a cytotoxic drug that inhibits the metabolism of folic acid, may be administered to arrest the embryo's development. If the condition is diagnosed later, or if the fallopian tube has ruptured, surgery is essential to repair or remove the affected tube and preserve the patient's health. Therefore, option b) 'Often involve surgical intervention' is the correct one.
Ultrasound examination is routinely used to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, alongside blood tests. Additionally, treatments such as the surgical repair or removal of fallopian tubes may be warranted, depending on the stage and severity of the ectopic pregnancy.