What should you do if a pregnant patient presents with severe abdominal pain?

When a pregnant patient presents with severe abdominal pain, the best course of action is to transport her immediately and monitor vital signs. Severe abdominal pain during pregnancy can indicate a variety of serious conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or uterine rupture, all of which require urgent medical attention.

By transporting the patient immediately, you ensure that she receives the necessary interventions from a higher level of care as quickly as possible. Monitoring vital signs during transport is crucial because changes can indicate deterioration in her condition or the onset of complications, allowing for timely interventions. Early recognition of any deterioration can be life-saving for both the mother and the fetus.

While providing comfort measures or administering pain relief might seem considerate, these actions can delay critical medical evaluation and treatment. Conducting a detailed physical examination before transport may also prolong the time before the patient receives definitive care, which is not advisable in the presence of severe symptoms. Therefore, the immediate focus should be on prompt transport and continuous monitoring of vital signs to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and unborn child.