Health Promotion and Maintenance
92. A client presents to an emergency department at 8 weeks' gestation. A physician suspects that the client has an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. When performing an initial assessment, which symptom should a nurse recognize as consistent with a diagnosis of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy?
. Painless vaginal bleeding.
. Abdominal cramping.
. Throbbing pain in the upper quadrant.
. Sudden, stabbing pain in the lower quadrant.
Test-Taking Tip
Eliminate Answer 3, which states the pain is in the upper quadrant; fallopian tubes are in the lower quadrant.
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Medical Emergencies
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because painless vaginal bleeding is a symptom of placenta previa. Ectopic pregnancy is a painful condition. Answer 2 is incorrect because abdominal cramping is related to threatened or imminent abortion. Ectopic pregnancy is characterized by sharp pain. Answer 3 is incorrect because throbbing pain in the upper quadrant is not a characteristic of ectopic pregnancy. The fallopian tubes are in the lower quadrant. Answer 4 is correct because sudden, stabbing pain in the lower quadrant is a symptom of ectopic pregnancy. The pain is related to the stretching of the fallopian tube in the lower abdominal quadrant.