QUESTION: "A 36-year-old client is admitted with a possible ruptured ectopic pregnancy. When planning the client's care, which of the following procedures should the nurse anticipate preparing the client for soon after admission?"
CHOICES
( X ) a.) Dilation and curettage.
( O ) b.) Ultrasound.
( X ) c.) Evacuation of the uterus.
( X ) d.) Oophorectomy.
RATIONALE: Symptoms of ruptured ectopic pregnancy are not always obvious. If bleeding into the pelvic cavity is extensive, then vaginal examination causes intense pain. Ultrasound will detect the location of rupture and bleeding, thus confirming the diagnosis. Dilation and curettage is indicated for a missed or incomplete abortion, not for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The uterus is not evacuated because the pregnancy is located outside the uterus. Oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) is usually not performed, although a salpingectomy (removal of the tube) or salpingostomy (removal of the conceptus) is often performed to prevent further bleeding. NURSING PROCESS STEP: Planning CLIENT NEEDS CATEGORY: Physiological integrity CLIENT NEEDS SUBCATEGORY: Reduction of risk potential
