Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy ( 15 Questions)
Which nursing intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Administering analgesics as prescribed. Rationale: Administering analgesics is the top priority when caring for a patient with ectopic pregnancy experiencing severe abdominal pain. Ectopic pregnancy can cause intense pain due to the rupture or stretching of the fallopian tube. Managing pain is essential for the patient's comfort and well-being.
Providing information about the potential complications. Rationale: While providing information about potential complications is important, it is not the top priority when the patient is in severe pain. Pain relief should be addressed first to ensure the patient's comfort and reduce distress. Once the pain is managed, the nurse can educate the patient about the condition and its potential complications.
Applying heat therapy to the abdominal area. Rationale: Applying heat therapy may provide some relief for mild abdominal discomfort, but it is not the priority intervention for severe abdominal pain in the context of an ectopic pregnancy. Heat therapy is not a substitute for appropriate pain management.
Reassuring the patient about the pregnancy outcome. Rationale: While providing emotional support and reassurance is important, it should not take precedence over pain management in this situation. The patient's immediate physical well-being is the top priority. Once the pain is under control, the nurse can offer emotional support and address concerns about the pregnancy outcome.
Choice A rationale:
Administering analgesics as prescribed.
Rationale: Administering analgesics is the top priority when caring for a patient with ectopic pregnancy experiencing severe abdominal pain.
Ectopic pregnancy can cause intense pain due to the rupture or stretching of the fallopian tube.
Managing pain is essential for the patient's comfort and well-being.
Choice B rationale:
Providing information about the potential complications.
Rationale: While providing information about potential complications is important, it is not the top priority when the patient is in severe pain.
Pain relief should be addressed first to ensure the patient's comfort and reduce distress.
Once the pain is managed, the nurse can educate the patient about the condition and its potential complications.
Choice C rationale:
Applying heat therapy to the abdominal area.
Rationale: Applying heat therapy may provide some relief for mild abdominal discomfort, but it is not the priority intervention for severe abdominal pain in the context of an ectopic pregnancy.
Heat therapy is not a substitute for appropriate pain management.
Choice D rationale:
Reassuring the patient about the pregnancy outcome.
Rationale: While providing emotional support and reassurance is important, it should not take precedence over pain management in this situation.
The patient's immediate physical well-being is the top priority.
Once the pain is under control, the nurse can offer emotional support and address concerns about the pregnancy outcome.