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What symptom indicates a possible ectopic pregnancy?

  1. Abdominal swelling

  2. Heavy menstrual bleeding

  3. Shoulder pain

  4. Frequent urination

The correct answer is: Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain can indicate a possible ectopic pregnancy due to the phenomenon known as referred pain. When an ectopic pregnancy occurs, particularly if the fallopian tube ruptures, it can lead to internal bleeding. Blood can irritate the diaphragm, leading to shoulder pain, which is often felt in the shoulder area. This type of pain is particularly associated with diaphragmatic irritation, a unique symptom that may help differentiate ectopic pregnancy from other conditions. The other symptoms, such as abdominal swelling, heavy menstrual bleeding, and frequent urination, may be associated with various other conditions, but they do not specifically point to the complication seen in ectopic pregnancies like shoulder pain does. Understanding this referral pattern is crucial for clinical assessment, enabling prompt diagnosis and necessary intervention.