Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What condition is suggested by a patient with vaginal bleeding, cervical dilation, and cramping during early pregnancy?

1. Inevitable abortion

2. Threatened abortion

3. Incomplete abortion

4. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease

The correct answer is: Inevitable abortion

The presence of vaginal bleeding, cervical dilation, and cramping during early pregnancy is indicative of an inevitable abortion. This condition occurs when there is clear evidence that a miscarriage is imminent, characterized by active bleeding and the dilation of the cervix. The cramping is a sign that uterine contractions are present, further suggesting that the body is in the process of expelling the pregnancy. In contrast, a threatened abortion involves vaginal bleeding without cervical dilation, indicating the pregnancy may still be viable. An incomplete abortion, on the other hand, refers to the situation where some tissue remains in the uterus after a miscarriage has begun, often accompanied by continued bleeding and cramping. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease typically presents with additional systemic symptoms such as fever and pain, primarily affecting the reproductive organs, and does not specifically align with the indicated signs of imminent miscarriage. Thus, the combination of symptoms – vaginal bleeding, cervical dilation, and cramping – aligns clearly with an inevitable abortion. Recognizing these symptoms and their implications is crucial for appropriate management and care during early pregnancy.