Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on testing for a possible ectopic pregnancy. Do you know the answer? Let’s find out!
The nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected ectopic pregnancy. Which test result does the nurse review to confirm the pregnancy?
A. Estrogen
B. Prolactin
C. Beta human chorionic gonadotropin
D. Progesterone
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX® Question is…
C. Beta human chorionic gonadotropin
Rationale: Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) is used to confirm the patient’s pregnancy.
Main Takeaway
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs somewhere other than in the uterine cavity, most commonly occurring in one of the fallopian tubes. The diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy starts with the patient’s history and physical assessment. The next step is to confirm the pregnancy with a Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) test and perform a transvaginal ultrasound to see whether or not there is an intrauterine pregnancy. The transvaginal ultrasound can also help identify an ectopic pregnancy based on signs like excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity or the presence of a mass in the fallopian tube.
Incorrect Answer Explanations
A. Estrogen
Rationale: Estrogen is not evaluated to confirm pregnancy; however, estrogen levels can be tested to help diagnose other conditions or provide information about a patient’s fertility.
B. Prolactin
Rationale: Prolactin is responsible for stimulating breast milk in a female patient and is not associated with the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy.
D. Progesterone
Rationale: Progesterone is not evaluated to confirm pregnancy; however, progesterone levels can be tested to help diagnose other conditions and provide information about ovulation.
Want to learn more about this topic?
Watch the Osmosis video: Ectopic pregnancy: Nursing
Try Osmosis from Elsevier today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.
Leave a Reply