Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized ovum implants outside the uterine cavity. The majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes. Risk factors include recurrent sexually transmitted infections, tubal damage or scarring, intrauterine devices, and previous tubal surgeries (eg, tubal ligation for sterilization). Clinical manifestations are lower-quadrant abdominal pain on one side, mild to moderate vaginal bleeding, and missed or delayed menses. Signs of subsequent hypovolemic (hemorrhagic) shock from ruptured ectopic pregnancy include dizziness, hypotension, and tachycardia. Free intraperitoneal blood pooling under the diaphragm can cause referred shoulder pain. Peritoneal signs (eg, tenderness, rigidity, low-grade fever) may develop subsequently.

(Options 2 and 3) Distended jugular veins and lung crackles indicate volume overload. The main risk with ectopic pregnancy is hypovolemic (hemorrhagic) shock. Jugular veins would be flat in hypovolemic shock.

Educational objective: The fallopian tubes are the most common site for an ectopic pregnancy. As the ectopic pregnancy grows and expands, rupture may occur, resulting in active bleeding that progresses to life-threatening hypovolemic (hemorrhagic) shock. Signs of ruptured ectopic pregnancy may include severe abdominal pain, dizziness, and referred shoulder pain.