Which finding is a common complication associated with ectopic pregnancy?

Prepare for the NCLEX exam. Use multiple choice questions and flashcards to optimize your study for the Antepartum and Intrapartum sections. Each question provides hints and explanations. Get exam-ready today!

In the context of ectopic pregnancy, abdominal tenderness is a common clinical manifestation. This occurs due to the increased pressure in the abdominal cavity and possible hemorrhage from the site of implantation outside of the uterus. As the ectopic tissue grows, it can cause irritation and stretching of the surrounding tissues, leading to significant discomfort and tenderness when palpated.

Using abdominal tenderness as a marker for ectopic pregnancy is critical for early diagnosis and intervention. Edema or rupture of an ectopic pregnancy can lead to severe abdominal pain and, in some cases, internal bleeding, which further emphasizes the importance of this symptom in clinical practice.

While other symptoms such as excessive fetal movement, high blood pressure, and persistent nausea may be associated with different obstetric complications or conditions, they are not directly linked to ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies do not typically have a viable fetus, and the noted symptoms help differentiate them from normal pregnancies or other conditions that might present similarly.

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