You are then called to the resuscitation room for a 17-year-old girl who was found unresponsive at home. On examination, she is ill-appearing, lethargic, has cool distal extremities, normal heart sounds, and clear lungs, and her abdomen is soft but tender in the left lower quadrant. Her vital signs are: blood pressure, 80/40 mm Hg; heart rate, 130 beats/min; respiratory rate, 25 breaths/min; and oxygen saturation, 95% on room air. What are the immediate first steps in managing this patient? What testing is needed for evaluation and management? What is the appropriate disposition?
Case Conclusion:
The 17-year-old girl presented in shock. IV access was obtained quickly for fluid resuscitation. Bedside abdominal ultrasound revealed free fluid on the suprapubic view. The following laboratory tests were sent: hCG, CBC, complete metabolic panel, type and screen, and blood culture. Her hCG resulted positive, raising concern for ectopic pregnancy. After she was resuscitated, gynecology was consulted and noted an empty uterus and free peritoneal fluid on ultrasound, in spite of a serum hCG of 10,000 mIU/mL. The patient was quickly transferred to the operating room where an ectopic pregnancy complicated by hemoperitoneum was found.
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Last Updated on January 26, 2023
Fluid resuscitation? Type and screen? Why not emergency release, type and cross, and a gram of TXA?