Scenario: A 28-year-old patient presents to the clinic with…
Scenario: A 28-year-old patient presents to the clinic with complaints of mild abdominal pain and light vaginal spotting. Her last menstrual period was 6 weeks ago. A urine pregnancy test is positive, and her healthcare provider orders a blood test to measure hCG levels. The nurse notes that the hCG level is lower than expected for the gestational age. Question: What is the most likely explanation for the patient’s low hCG levels and symptoms of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding?