Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Maternal Newborn ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A healthcare professional is assisting with the care for a client who is experiencing a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Which of the following findings is expected with this condition?

  • A. No alteration in menses
  • B. Transvaginal ultrasound indicating a fetus in the uterus
  • C. Blood progesterone greater than the expected reference range
  • D. Report of severe shoulder pain
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Report of severe shoulder pain. In a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. As the tube ruptures, there is internal bleeding which can irritate the diaphragm, causing referred pain to the shoulder. This phenomenon is known as Kehr's sign. The other choices are incorrect because with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, there would typically be altered menses due to the pregnancy disruption, a transvaginal ultrasound would not show a fetus in the uterus, and blood progesterone levels would not be elevated.