The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a client with a suspected ectopic pregnancy.
The nurse anticipates which diagnostic test will be ordered to confirm this finding?
The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a client with a suspected ectopic pregnancy.
The nurse anticipates which diagnostic test will be ordered to confirm this finding?
A. Nonstress testing
[2%]
B. Abdominal radiograph (x-ray)
[13%]
C. Transvaginal ultrasound
[76%]
D. Doppler transducer
[9%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Maternal & Newborn Health
Lesson
Antepartum
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Medical Emergencies
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice C is correct. An ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a medical emergency. The imaging of choice is a transvaginal ultrasound, as this type of ultrasound may visualize an extrauterine gestational sac with a yolk sac or embryo (with or without a heartbeat).
Choice A is incorrect. Non-stress testing is utilized in the third trimester, where an EP is typically recognized around six or eight gestational weeks. This would not be an appropriate test to diagnose an EP.
Choice B is incorrect. Radiography does not provide a sufficient ability to visualize an embryo. Ultrasound is the diagnostic test of choice.
Choice D is incorrect. Doppler transducer for fetal heart rate would discern if there is a fetal heart rate and not where the embryo is located.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Ectopic Pregnancy
28.5 Infection & Complication Risks
Additional Info
✓ An ectopic pregnancy (EP) is an extrauterine pregnancy.
✓ Almost all ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube, but other possible sites include cervical, interstitial, hysterotomy (cesarean) scar, ovarian, or abdominal.
✓ Manifestations of an EP include unilateral abdominal (pelvic) pain, vaginal bleeding, and a positive pregnancy test.
✓ Rapid management is needed because life-threatening intraabdominal bleeding may occur.
✓ For EP's that have not ruptured and the woman is stable, methotrexate may be used. If that is not the case, surgical management will be necessary.
