NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of ectopic pregnancy?

1. Vaginal bleeding

2. Abdominal pain radiating to neck and shoulders

3. Breech presentation

4. Amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea

The correct answer is: Breech presentation

Breech presentation is indeed not a sign or symptom of ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube. The signs and symptoms commonly associated with ectopic pregnancy include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain often radiating to the neck and shoulders (due to referred pain from diaphragmatic irritation), and changes in menstrual cycles such as amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. These symptoms are consistent with the disruption of normal pregnancy progression and can signify internal bleeding or the stress on surrounding structures caused by the growing ectopic tissue. In contrast, breech presentation pertains to the position of a fetus within the uterus and is not related to an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs outside of the uterine cavity.