Ectopic pregnancy: a case study

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants on tissue other than the lining of the uterus. As the number of ectopic pregnancies increase, it is important that PACU nurses understand postoperative assessment and interventions for these women. Hypovolemic shock from preoperative and intraoperative bleeding is one potential problem for these patients that requires close postoperative monitoring. The case study of the ectopic pregnancy patient included with this article demonstrates important postanesthesia assessment parameters.