Question

A client calls the nurse-midwife in the prenatal clinic complaining of sharp shooting pains in the lower abdomen and vaginal spotting. She is met at the emergency department of the hospital and a diagnosis of ruptured tubal pregnancy is made. At what stage of the pregnancy does the nurse suspect the initial symptoms began?

A. At 16 weeks' gestation
B. Immediately after implantation
C. About 6 weeks into the pregnancy
D. Toward the end of the second trimester

Answer 1

A ruptured tubal pregnancy typically presents with symptoms around 6 weeks into the pregnancy, when the growing embryo can cause the fallopian tube to rupture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described by the client, which include sharp shooting pains in the lower abdomen and vaginal spotting, are indicative of a ruptured tubal pregnancy. A tubal pregnancy is also known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it typically presents with symptoms around 6 weeks into the pregnancy. This is due to the embryo implanting in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, which can cause the tube to rupture as the embryo grows. Therefore, the correct answer to the initial question is C. About 6 weeks into the pregnancy.