Which symptom is typically associated with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy?

A ruptured ectopic pregnancy primarily presents with sudden unilateral abdominal pain. This pain occurs when the growing ectopic tissue, often located within a fallopian tube, causes the tube to rupture, leading to internal bleeding and irritation of the abdominal cavity. Patients often describe the pain as sharp or stabbing and it may radiate to the shoulder due to diaphragmatic irritation (Kehr’s sign). This symptom is critical in distinguishing a ruptured ectopic pregnancy from normal early pregnancy symptoms.

The other options, while they can occur in various contexts, are not typically associated with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Severe headaches may occur due to many other reasons, chronic back pain is not characteristic of this acute condition, and persistent nausea, while potentially present in early pregnancy, does not specifically signal a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Recognizing the specific symptomatology of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment, which can be life-saving.