A nurse in a prenatal clinic is examining the health record of a client who is 28 weeks pregnant.
The history includes one pregnancy terminated by elective abortion at 9 weeks, the birth of twins at 36 weeks, and a spontaneous abortion at 15 weeks.
According to the GTPAL system, how would you describe the client’s current status?

Choice A rationale

Feeling the baby move, also known as quickening, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. Presumptive signs are those that suggest a woman could be pregnant, but they’re not definitive. Quickening is often described as a fluttering sensation and is usually felt between 16 and 25 weeks of gestation.

Choice B rationale

Positive signs of pregnancy are those that can only be explained by pregnancy. These include hearing the baby’s heartbeat, visualizing the fetus on ultrasound, and feeling the baby move by a healthcare provider.

Choice C rationale

Probable signs of pregnancy are those that are strongly suggestive of pregnancy but could be caused by other conditions. These include changes in the uterus, changes in the cervix, and positive pregnancy tests.

Choice D rationale

There is no classification of “possible” signs of pregnancy in medical terminology.

Choice A rationale

Bleeding or spotting can accompany implantation. This is a common occurrence and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the pregnancy. It happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Some women may mistake this bleeding for a light period, but it’s a sign of pregnancy.

Choice B rationale

Fertilization typically takes place in the outer third of the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If sperm are present in the fallopian tube at this time, fertilization can occur. This is a normal part of the reproductive process.

Choice C rationale

Sperm can remain viable in the woman’s reproductive tract for 2 to 3 days. This means that intercourse does not have to coincide exactly with ovulation in order to achieve pregnancy. The sperm can survive long enough to fertilize the egg when it is released.

Choice D rationale

The statement “Implantation occurs between 2 and 3 weeks after conception” is incorrect and requires intervention by the nurse. Implantation actually occurs about 6-10 days after ovulation, which is less than 2 weeks after conception.