Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Female Physiologic Processes Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment and Management of Patients With Female Physiologic Processes related questions and content

A premenopausal patient is complaining of vaginal spotting and sharp, colicky lower abdominal pain. She informs the nurse that her period is 2 weeks late. The nurse should recognize a need for this patient to be investigated for what health problem?

  • A. Trichomonas vaginalis
  • B. Ectopic pregnancy
  • C. Cervical cancer
  • D. Fibromyalgia
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clinical symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include delay in menstruation of 1 to 2 weeks, vaginal spotting, and sharp, colicky pain. These symptoms align with the patient's presentation, warranting investigation for this condition. Trichomonas vaginalis causes vaginal infection, typically with discharge, not typically associated with delayed menstruation or colicky pain. Cervical cancer may cause abnormal bleeding but is less likely to present with acute colicky pain and delayed menstruation. Fibromyalgia is unrelated to menstrual irregularities or vaginal spotting.