Which of the following is a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy?

While it is true that a pregnant female who is HCG positive is confirming her pregnancy, this option does not specifically indicate a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube, and certain factors increase this risk.

The correct choice in this case is recent surgery. Surgical procedures, particularly those involving the reproductive organs, can lead to scarring or changes in the anatomy of the fallopian tubes, which can interfere with normal transport of the fertilized egg to the uterus. Conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and previous ectopic pregnancies can also be related to surgical interventions and increase the likelihood of future ectopic pregnancies.

While high blood pressure and obesity are associated with various pregnancy complications, they are not direct risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Similarly, being HCG positive simply confirms that a pregnancy exists but does not independently contribute to the risk of an ectopic occurrence. Hence, recognizing surgical history and specific reproductive health issues is vital in assessing the risk for ectopic pregnancy.