A woman is 16 weeks pregnant and has elected to terminate her pregnancy. The nurse knows that the most common technique used for medical termination of a pregnancy in the second trimester is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is the most common technique used for medical termination of a pregnancy in the second trimester. It involves dilating the cervix and using suction and instruments to remove the fetus and placenta from the uterus. Instillation of hypertonic saline and intravenous administration of Pitocin were previously used but are now less common due to associated risks and complications. Vacuum aspiration is typically used for first-trimester abortions.

A Woman Is 16 Weeks Pregnant and Has Elected to Terminate