Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy ( 15 Questions)
Which response by the nurse is correct?
Elevated beta-hCG levels are indicative of a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Elevated beta-hCG levels are not indicative of a normal intrauterine pregnancy on their own. Beta-hCG levels can vary widely in both normal and ectopic pregnancies. An elevated beta-hCG level can be seen in normal pregnancies, but it is not a definitive indicator of a normal intrauterine pregnancy.
Beta-hCG levels are not used in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Beta-hCG levels are indeed used in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. In cases of suspected ectopic pregnancy, serial beta-hCG measurements are taken. A lack of appropriate increase in beta-hCG levels or a plateau in their rise can be indicative of an ectopic pregnancy.
A decrease in beta-hCG levels over time may suggest a nonviable ectopic pregnancy. Rationale: This statement is correct. A decrease in beta-hCG levels over time can suggest a nonviable ectopic pregnancy. In a healthy pregnancy, beta-hCG levels typically double every 48 to 72 hours during the first few weeks. In an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, the beta-hCG levels may rise initially but will eventually plateau or even decrease as the pregnancy is not viable. This information is crucial in diagnosing and managing ectopic pregnancies.
Beta-hCG levels are primarily used to evaluate the presence of sexually transmitted infections. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Beta-hCG levels are not used to evaluate sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are primarily used to assess pregnancy-related conditions, including ectopic pregnancy. STIs are diagnosed through other methods, such as serologic tests or molecular assays.
Choice A rationale:
Elevated beta-hCG levels are indicative of a normal intrauterine pregnancy.
Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Elevated beta-hCG levels are not indicative of a normal intrauterine pregnancy on their own.
Beta-hCG levels can vary widely in both normal and ectopic pregnancies.
An elevated beta-hCG level can be seen in normal pregnancies, but it is not a definitive indicator of a normal intrauterine pregnancy.
Choice B rationale:
Beta-hCG levels are not used in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Beta-hCG levels are indeed used in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
In cases of suspected ectopic pregnancy, serial beta-hCG measurements are taken.
A lack of appropriate increase in beta-hCG levels or a plateau in their rise can be indicative of an ectopic pregnancy.
Choice C rationale:
A decrease in beta-hCG levels over time may suggest a nonviable ectopic pregnancy.
Rationale: This statement is correct.
A decrease in beta-hCG levels over time can suggest a nonviable ectopic pregnancy.
In a healthy pregnancy, beta-hCG levels typically double every 48 to 72 hours during the first few weeks.
In an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants outside the uterus, the beta-hCG levels may rise initially but will eventually plateau or even decrease as the pregnancy is not viable.
This information is crucial in diagnosing and managing ectopic pregnancies.
Choice D rationale:
Beta-hCG levels are primarily used to evaluate the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
Rationale: This statement is incorrect.
Beta-hCG levels are not used to evaluate sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
They are primarily used to assess pregnancy-related conditions, including ectopic pregnancy.
STIs are diagnosed through other methods, such as serologic tests or molecular assays.