A nurse is assessing a client who may be pregnant. The nurse reviews the client's history for presumptive signs. Which signs would the nurse most likely note? Select all that apply.
Nausea
Abdominal enlargement
Positive pregnancy test
Braxton Hicks contractions
Amenorrhea
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A Reason: Nausea is a common presumptive sign of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. It is caused by hormonal changes and may be accompanied by vomiting.
Choice B Reason: Abdominal enlargement is another presumptive sign of pregnancy, as the uterus grows to accommodate the developing fetus. It may be noticeable as early as 12 weeks of gestation.
Choice C Reason: A positive pregnancy test is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta. However, it is not a definitive sign, as it may be affected by other factors such as medications, tumors, or false positives.
Choice D Reason: Braxton Hicks contractions are not a presumptive sign of pregnancy, but a probable sign. They are irregular and painless contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy, but become more frequent and noticeable in the third trimester. They are also known as false labor contractions.
Choice E Reason: Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstrual periods, is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it indicates that ovulation has ceased. However, it is not a definitive sign, as it may be caused by other factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that is used to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia. It has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which is a medication that lowers blood pressure and prevents seizures in severe preeclampsia.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because potassium chloride is an electrolyte supplement that is used to treat or prevent low levels of potassium in the blood. It has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which can cause hypermagnesemia, or high levels of magnesium in the blood.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because calcium carbonate is an antacid that is used to treat or prevent heartburn, indigestion, or calcium deficiency. It has no effect on magnesium sulfate, which can cause hypocalcemia, or low levels of calcium in the blood.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because calcium gluconate is an antidote that is used to treat magnesium toxicity, which can occur when magnesium sulfate is given in high doses or for prolonged periods. Calcium gluconate reverses the effects of magnesium sulfate on the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems, such as muscle weakness, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Striae gravidarum are stretch marks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, or thighs during pregnancy. They are caused by the tearing of the connective tissue in the dermis due to rapid growth or weight gain.
Choice B: Linea nigra is a dark vertical line that runs from the umbilicus to the pubic area. It is caused by increased melanin production due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. This is the correct choice because it matches the description in the question.
Choice C: Vascular spiders are dilated blood vessels that appear on the skin as red or purple spider-like lesions. They are caused by increased estrogen levels and blood volume during pregnancy. They are usually found on the face, neck, chest, or arms.
Choice D: Melasma is a condition that causes brown or gray patches on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks, nose, or upper lip. It is caused by increased melanin production due to sun exposure and hormonal changes during pregnancy. It is also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy.

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