Division of Midwifery and Community Health, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA 01199, USA. elizabeth.stevens@bhs.org
Ectopic pregnancy and ovarian torsion are 2 of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain in early pregnancy. The following article will discuss the physiology and pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, clinical management options, and nursing considerations for ovarian torsion and ectopic pregnancy. Both conditions require timely diagnosis to prevent mortality and minimize morbidity, and both may require surgical management.