Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy ( 15 Questions)
The patient reports abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and shoulder pain.
Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate when discussing the possible treatment options?
While surgical management is an option for ectopic pregnancy, it is not always immediately necessary. The decision to proceed with surgery depends on various factors, including the stability of the patient and the location and size of the ectopic pregnancy. This statement may create unnecessary anxiety for the patient.
This is the correct answer. Methotrexate is a medication used for medical management of ectopic pregnancy, particularly if the patient's condition is stable, and there is no risk of rupture. It is essential for the nurse to provide information about this alternative treatment option to the patient.
Performing a pelvic examination is an important part of the diagnostic process for ectopic pregnancy, but it is not a treatment option. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the focus shifts to treatment options, which may include surgery or medical management.
Waiting for further symptoms to develop is not an appropriate approach for managing suspected ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening, and a missed menstrual period combined with symptoms like abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding should raise suspicion. Prompt evaluation and treatment are necessary to prevent complications.
Choice A rationale:
While surgical management is an option for ectopic pregnancy, it is not always immediately necessary.
The decision to proceed with surgery depends on various factors, including the stability of the patient and the location and size of the ectopic pregnancy.
This statement may create unnecessary anxiety for the patient.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer.
Methotrexate is a medication used for medical management of ectopic pregnancy, particularly if the patient's condition is stable, and there is no risk of rupture.
It is essential for the nurse to provide information about this alternative treatment option to the patient.
Choice C rationale:
Performing a pelvic examination is an important part of the diagnostic process for ectopic pregnancy, but it is not a treatment option.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the focus shifts to treatment options, which may include surgery or medical management.
Choice D rationale:
Waiting for further symptoms to develop is not an appropriate approach for managing suspected ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening, and a missed menstrual period combined with symptoms like abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding should raise suspicion.
Prompt evaluation and treatment are necessary to prevent complications.