CEA Nursing Practice Exam

Which condition would necessitate testing for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in an adolescent female?

1. Ectopic pregnancy

2. Pelvic inflammatory disease

3. Ovarian cyst

4. Normal pregnancy

The correct answer is: Ectopic pregnancy

Testing for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is primarily associated with conditions that involve pregnancy. In the context of an adolescent female, the presence of HCG in the blood or urine is a key indicator of pregnancy. This hormone is produced shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, making it a crucial marker for determining whether a pregnancy exists. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus (often in a fallopian tube), testing for HCG is particularly critical. Ectopic pregnancies can pose serious health risks, including the potential for internal bleeding. Detecting HCG in such cases can help healthcare providers diagnose the condition and initiate appropriate interventions promptly. While normal pregnancy is also associated with HCG testing, identifying it in the context of ectopic pregnancy is vital due to the complexities and risks involved with that specific condition. In contrast, the other conditions listed, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and ovarian cysts, do not directly involve the production of HCG, which is why they do not necessitate testing for this hormone as a primary diagnostic tool.