The nurse is performing a physical assessment of a pregnant woman at 18 weeks' gestation and documents the following: vaginal bleeding, a uterus that is larger than expected for the weeks of pregnancy, anemia, excessive nausea and vomiting, and signs

Question

of pregnancy-induced hypertension. What complication might the nurse suspect based on these symptoms? A) Ectopic pregnancy
B) Hydatidiform mole
C) Hyperemesis gravidarum
D) Preeclampsia

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
The signs and symptoms of hydatidiform mole include vaginal bleeding, a uterus that is larger than expected for the weeks of pregnancy, anemia, excessive nausea and vomiting, and signs of pregnancy-induced hypertension occurring before 24 weeks of pregnancy. The word ectopic means outside; therefore, an ectopic pregnancy is one that implants outside the uterus. Hyperemesis gravidarum, or pernicious vomiting, is more severe than normal morning sickness. The woman who previously was experiencing normal progression of pregnancy, but who develops PIH with edema, proteinuria, or both (usually after the 20th week of gestation) has preeclampsia.