Nancy is a 31-year-old woman who believes she may be pregnant. She took an over-the-counter pregnancy test 1 week after a missed period that turned positive
During her assessment interview, the nurse inquires about Nancy's LMP and if she is taking any medica-tions. Nancy states that she takes medicine for epilepsy. She has been under much stress lately at work and has not been sleeping well. She also has a history of irregular periods. Nancy's physical exam does not indicate that she is pregnant. Nancy has an ultrasound that reveals she is not pregnant. What is the most likely cause for obtaining false-positive preg-nancy test results? 1. Nancy took the pregnancy test too early.
2. Nancy takes anticonvulsants.
3. Nancy has a fibroid tumor.
4. Nancy has been under much stress and has a hormone imbalance.
2
1. Incorrect. OTC pregnancy tests use ELISA technology, which can yield positive results as little as 4 days after implantation. Implantation occurs 6 to 10 days after conception. If Nancy were pregnant, she would be into her third week at this point (having missed her pe-riod 1 week ago).
2. Correct. Anticonvulsants may yield false-positive results.
3. Incorrect. Fibroid tumors are non–hormone producing and have no bearing on hCG pregnancy tests.
4. Incorrect. Although stress may interrupt normal hormone cycles (menstrual cycles), it does not affect hCG levels or produce positive pregnancy results.
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