Question

A client, G2 P1001, telephones the gynecology office complaining of left-sided pain. Which of the following questions by the triage nurse would help to determine whether the one-sided pain is due to an ectopic pregnancy? a) "When did you have your pregnancy test done?" b) "When was the first day of your last menstrual period?" c) "Did you have any complications w/ your first pregnancy?" d) "How old were you when you first got your period?"

Answer 1

In determining if one-sided pain is due to an ectopic pregnancy, the question 'When was the first day of your last menstrual period?'(option b) would be most insightful. This is because the timing of a woman's menstrual cycle can give a clue to possible pregnancy and if an ectopic pregnancy could be likely.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of gynecology, when assessing a report of one-sided pain like the one described, the question 'When was the first day of your last menstrual period?' would be most helpful in determining if the pain is due to an ectopic pregnancy. Understanding the timing of the menstrual cycle can provide a clue about possible pregnancy and whether an ectopic pregnancy could be likely. Ectopic pregnancies often cause pain and symptoms earlier in the cycle than a normal pregnancy might, due to the embryo implanting outside the uterus and potentially causing damage or irritation. The other options may provide relevant information about pregnancy history and reproductive health, but they are not as directly related to the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.

Learn more about Ectopic Pregnancy