A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who believes that she might be pregnant because she feels the baby moving. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"This is a probable sign of pregnancy."
"This is a possible sign of pregnancy."
"This is a positive sign of pregnancy."
"This is a presumptive sign of pregnancy."
The Correct Answer is D
Explanation:
A. "This is a probable sign of pregnancy."
A probable sign of pregnancy is an objective finding observed by a healthcare provider that suggests the likelihood of pregnancy but does not confirm it definitively. Examples of probable signs include positive pregnancy tests (urine or blood tests), changes in the uterus (enlargement, softening), and changes in the cervix (Goodell's sign, Chadwick's sign). Sensations of fetal movement, such as the feeling of the baby moving, are actually presumptive signs of pregnancy rather than probable signs because they can have other explanations and are not definitive proof of pregnancy.
B. "This is a possible sign of pregnancy."
While sensations of fetal movement can be associated with pregnancy, they are more accurately classified as presumptive signs rather than possible signs. Possible signs typically refer to signs or symptoms that could be related to various conditions, including pregnancy, but do not specifically indicate pregnancy on their own. In this context, "possible" may not be as accurate as "presumptive" for describing fetal movement as a sign of pregnancy.
C. "This is a positive sign of pregnancy."
A positive sign of pregnancy is a definitive finding that confirms the presence of a fetus. Examples of positive signs include fetal heartbeat heard by Doppler or ultrasound, fetal movement felt by the healthcare provider (palpation), and visualization of the fetus on ultrasound. Sensations of fetal movement reported by the woman (quickening) are not considered positive signs because they can be subjective and may have other explanations, such as gas or muscle contractions.
D. "This is a presumptive sign of pregnancy."
A presumptive sign of pregnancy is a subjective sign reported by the woman that may indicate pregnancy but can also have other explanations. Examples include amenorrhea (missed periods), nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), breast changes, and sensations of fetal movement (quickening). Sensations of fetal movement are considered presumptive because they are subjective and can be caused by factors other than pregnancy, such as gas or muscle contractions.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation:
A. A client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and receiving terbutaline reports fine tremors:
Fine tremors are a known side effect of terbutaline, which is often used to delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterus. While tremors are a common and expected side effect of terbutaline, they are not typically considered an urgent concern unless they are severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
B. A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia has 2+ proteinuria and 2+ patellar reflexes:
Proteinuria (2+) and increased deep tendon reflexes (2+) are significant findings in a client with preeclampsia, indicating worsening of the condition and potential organ involvement. However, they may not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other severe symptoms such as severe hypertension, severe headache, visual disturbances, or epigastric pain.
C. A client who has a diagnosis of preeclampsia reports epigastric pain and unresolved headache:
This is the correct answer. Epigastric pain and unresolved headache are concerning symptoms in a client with preeclampsia and can indicate worsening of the condition or complications such as HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count). These symptoms may suggest liver involvement, which is a serious complication of preeclampsia and requires immediate evaluation and management by the provider.
D. A tearful client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and is experiencing irregular, frequent contractions:
While tearfulness and irregular, frequent contractions may indicate emotional distress or early labor, they are not typically considered urgent findings unless accompanied by other signs of impending preterm labor such as cervical changes or regular, painful contractions. Immediate reporting is important if there are signs of active labor or cervical changes, but based on the information provided, this finding is not as urgent as the epigastric pain and unresolved headache in a client with preeclampsia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation:
A. "You will need to double your intake of iron during pregnancy."
This statement is not accurate. While iron needs do increase during pregnancy to support the increased blood volume and fetal development, the recommended increase is not necessarily a doubling of intake. Specific iron requirements can vary based on individual factors, such as pre-pregnancy iron status and maternal health conditions.
B. "Prenatal vitamins will meet your need for increased vitamin D during pregnancy."
Prenatal vitamins typically contain some vitamin D, but they may not meet the increased need for vitamin D during pregnancy entirely, especially if the client has limited sun exposure or other risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Additional sources of vitamin D, such as sunlight exposure and dietary sources, may be recommended.
C. "You will need to increase your calcium intake during breastfeeding."
This statement is correct. During breastfeeding, calcium requirements increase to support milk production and the maintenance of maternal bone health. Adequate calcium intake is important for both the mother and the growing infant.
D. "Vitamin E requirements decline during pregnancy due to the increase in body fat."
This statement is not accurate. Vitamin E requirements do not necessarily decline during pregnancy because of an increase in body fat. Vitamin E is still essential during pregnancy for its antioxidant properties and role in fetal development.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
