(1)
Signs and symptoms.
(a) Vaginal bleeding.
(b) Sometimes massive uterine contractions and cervical dilation.
Treatment.
(2)
(a)
Start an IV with normal saline or Ringer's lactate solution.
(b) Give fluids as rapidly as necessary to maintain the patient's blood
pressure while she is being transported to a medical treatment facility.
c. Incomplete Abortion. In this case, some of the products of pregnancy are
expelled while other parts are retained.
(1)
Signs and symptoms.
(a)
Hemorrhage (bleeding, especially profuse).
(b) Persisting cervical dilation.
(2)
Treatment.
(a)
Treat for shock, if necessary.
(b) Transport the patient to a medical treatment facility. A physician
will remove any partially protruding products of a pregnancy.
2-6.
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized ovum is implanted outside the uterus. The
fertilized ovum may be in the fallopian tubes, the ovary, or the abdomen. Since none of
these structures is able to support the growing ovum, the structure in which the ovum is
growing ruptures. About 90 percent of all ectopic pregnancies occur in a fallopian tube.
a. Signs and Symptoms.
(1)
Severe, sudden onset of lower abdominal pain.
(2)
Hemorrhage -- abnormal vaginal bleeding with symptoms of pregnancy.
(3)
A tender palpable mass felt over the uterus.
b. Treatment. This is an emergency situation. Transport the patient to a
medical treatment facility immediately.
MD0584
2-8