Which signs indicate a suspected ectopic pregnancy before rupture?

Which signs indicate a suspected ectopic pregnancy before rupture?

• A. Headache and blurred vision.
• B. Abdominal distension with absent bowel sounds.
• C. Lower quadrant abdominal pain in a pregnant patient, vaginal bleeding, dizziness.
• D. Shoulder tip pain without vaginal bleeding.

Answer: (C)

The signs being tested are those that point to an ectopic pregnancy before rupture. In early ectopic pregnancy, you often see localized lower quadrant abdominal or pelvic pain in a patient who is pregnant, along with vaginal bleeding from the abnormal implantation. Dizziness can occur from mild blood loss or orthostatic changes even before rupture. This combination fits an ectopic in the early stage, which is why it’s the best choice. Headache and blurred vision point more toward pregnancy-related hypertension, not ectopic pregnancy. Abdominal distension with absent bowel sounds suggests a different abdominal issue, such as obstruction or peritonitis, not the typical early ectopic picture. Shoulder tip pain without vaginal bleeding is more consistent with diaphragmatic irritation from rupture, or with late rupture scenarios, and would not be the classic pre-rupture presentation.

The signs being tested are those that point to an ectopic pregnancy before rupture. In early ectopic pregnancy, you often see localized lower quadrant abdominal or pelvic pain in a patient who is pregnant, along with vaginal bleeding from the abnormal implantation. Dizziness can occur from mild blood loss or orthostatic changes even before rupture. This combination fits an ectopic in the early stage, which is why it’s the best choice.

Headache and blurred vision point more toward pregnancy-related hypertension, not ectopic pregnancy. Abdominal distension with absent bowel sounds suggests a different abdominal issue, such as obstruction or peritonitis, not the typical early ectopic picture. Shoulder tip pain without vaginal bleeding is more consistent with diaphragmatic irritation from rupture, or with late rupture scenarios, and would not be the classic pre-rupture presentation.