Ectopic Pregnancy Basics
This condition occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity.
ectopic pregnancy
This common symptom may occur on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis.
vaginal spotting or bleeding
A previous occurrence of this condition significantly increases the risk of having another ectopic pregnancy.
previous ectopic pregnancy
This pregnancy hormone is measured serially when evaluating a patient for an ectopic pregnancy.
beta-hCG
This medication may be used to treat a stable, unruptured ectopic pregnancy.
methotrexate
This is the most common location for an ectopic pregnancy.
fallopian tube
Pain felt at the tip of the shoulder can indicate blood irritating this structure after an ectopic pregnancy ruptures.
diaphragm
This infection-related condition can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and increase ectopic pregnancy risk.
pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID?
This imaging study is commonly used to determine whether a pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
transvaginal ultrasound
Methotrexate works by interfering with this essential nutrient needed for rapidly dividing cells.
folic acid or folate
Most ectopic pregnancies occur in this portion of the fallopian tube.
ampulla
This common symptom may occur on one side of the lower abdomen or pelvis.
unilateral pelvic or abdominal pain
Infection with these two common sexually transmitted organisms can damage the fallopian tubes.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
In a normally developing early intrauterine pregnancy, beta-hCG levels are expected to show this general pattern.
predictable rise over time
Patients receiving methotrexate should avoid supplements containing this vitamin because they can decrease the medication's effectiveness.
folic acid
An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally because the implantation site cannot support this process.
fetal growth and development
Dizziness, weakness, tachycardia, and hypotension in a patient with a suspected ectopic pregnancy may indicate this emergency.
internal hemorrhage or shock?
Previous surgery involving these reproductive structures can increase ectopic pregnancy risk because of scar tissue.
fallopian tubes
A positive pregnancy test combined with an empty uterus on ultrasound may raise suspicion for this condition.
ectopic pregnancy
A patient with suspected ectopic rupture, severe abdominal pain, and hypotension requires preparation for this type of treatment.
emergency surgery
If an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, this potentially fatal complication can occur due to internal bleeding.
hemorrhagic shock
Sudden severe abdominal pain, rigid abdomen, hypotension, and tachycardia are highly concerning for this complication.
ruptured ectopic pregnancy
Patients who become pregnant using this assisted reproductive technology have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
in vitro fertilization, or IVF
When beta-hCG is above the expected ultrasound discriminatory level but no intrauterine pregnancy is visible, the nurse should recognize increased concern for this diagnosis.
ectopic pregnancy
The priority nursing interventions for a patient with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy include establishing IV access, monitoring vital signs, preparing blood products, and preparing for this intervention.
emergency surgical management