What finding in a pregnant woman's history could support a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy?

A positive urine hCG test indicates that human chorionic gonadotropin is present, which is a hormone produced during pregnancy. While this finding alone cannot confirm an ectopic pregnancy, it is one of the key initial indicators that pregnancy has occurred. In cases of ectopic pregnancy, hCG levels can be elevated but may not rise as expected when compared to an intrauterine pregnancy, making it a significant factor to consider.

Other findings in the patient's history can provide additional context. For example, irregular menstrual cycles could complicate dating the pregnancy, and recent pelvic surgery might increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy by causing scarring or adhesions. A negative pregnancy history might indicate a lack of prior ectopic pregnancies but does not inherently support a diagnosis of a current ectopic pregnancy.

However, the positivity of urine hCG is the most direct indication that pregnancy is present, which is a crucial step in diagnosing any type of pregnancy, including ectopic. Therefore, the presence of a positive urine hCG test in a pregnant woman’s history is pivotal for considering a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.