(^504) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
PROGNOSIS
Ectopic pregnancy is the greatest cause of maternal death early in the pregnancy
if diagnosis cannot be made. Rupture of the involved organ and excessive bleed-
ing into the peritoneum may occur.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Severe, lancinating (stabbing) lower pelvic pain from the growing embryo
stretching thefallopian tube or other structure - Backache from pressure on these structures
- Vaginal spotting; bleeding; amenorrhea
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Beta hCG serum levels will be elevated but not as high as during an intra-
uterine pregnancy. - Ultrasound will show an empty uterus.
- Urine pregnancy test will be positive.
TREATMENTS
Surgery is planned to remove the fertilized egg. Often the egg can be retrieved
laparoscopically if the pregnancy is early. Surgery will involve removal of the egg
and may involve partial or complete removal of the fallopian tube (called salping-
ectomy—partial or complete).NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Body image disturbance
- Anticipatory grieving
- Pain, discomfort