College

What is a very late sign of an ectopic pregnancy?

a) Vaginal bleeding
b) Abdominal pain
c) Shoulder pain
d) Positive pregnancy test

Answer :

Final answer:

A very late sign of an ectopic pregnancy is shoulder pain, which is a result of blood irritating the phrenic nerve. Earlier signs include vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. A positive pregnancy test cannot definitively indicate an ectopic pregnancy.

Explanation:

A very late sign of an ectopic pregnancy is c) Shoulder pain. This can occur due to blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy building up under the diaphragm. The presence of blood in this area can irritate the phrenic nerve, which can refer pain to the shoulder area, particularly on the right side. In contrast, other symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain can occur earlier in the course of an ectopic pregnancy. A positive pregnancy test is usually one of the first signs indicating that a woman is pregnant but does not specifically suggest an ectopic pregnancy.

In the initial scenarios provided, the concern mentioned on Saturday night about unprotected sex leading to pregnancy is valid since ovulation is a prerequisite for conception, and the described mid-cycle pain may indicate ovulation. Approximately 3 weeks after the last menstrual period, an episode of abdominopelvic cramping and minor bleeding could potentially be implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, or it might be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.