Ectopic Pregnancy
🚨 Symptoms
Early: missed period, positive pregnancy test, vaginal spotting; later: sharp lower abdominal pain (often one-sided), shoulder tip pain, rectal pressure, dizziness/fainting (signs of rupture with internal bleeding)
🔍 Causes
Implantation of fertilized egg outside uterine cavity (most commonly in fallopian tube); risk factors: previous ectopic, PID, tubal surgery, IUD use, smoking, assisted conception, endometriosis
💊 Treatment
Expectant management (if early, stable, declining hCG), methotrexate injection (if unruptured, stable, meets criteria), surgical removal (salpingectomy or salpingostomy via laparoscopy or laparotomy) if ruptured or symptomatic
📝 Nursing Care
Monitor vital signs, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding; administer methotrexate with monitoring of hCG levels; prepare for emergency surgery if ruptured; provide emotional support (pregnancy loss); RhIg if Rh negative; educate on future pregnancy risks
Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.