A nurse teaches a pregnant woman about the presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. The woman demonstrates an understanding of the nurse's instructions if she states that a positive sign of pregnancy is:
quickening.
a positive pregnancy test.
Braxton Hicks contractions.
fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movement by the mother, usually occurring between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation. It is a presumptive sign of pregnancy, as it can be subjective and influenced by other factors such as gas or peristalsis.
Choice B reason: A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy, as it indicates the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine or blood. However, it is not conclusive, as it can be affected by false positives or false negatives, or by other conditions that produce hCG.
Choice C reason: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy. They are a probable sign of pregnancy, as they indicate uterine activity and preparation for labor. However, they are not diagnostic, as they can also occur in non-pregnant women or in response to other stimuli.
Choice D reason: Fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife is a positive sign of pregnancy, as it confirms the presence of a living fetus in the uterus. It is an objective and reliable sign that can be detected by a skilled examiner after 20 weeks of gestation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A fetal heartbeat auscultated with a Doppler or a fetoscope is a positive sign of pregnancy, as it confirms the presence of a living fetus in the uterus. A Doppler is an electronic device that uses sound waves to detect the fetal heart rate, while a fetoscope is a stethoscope-like instrument that amplifies the fetal heart sounds. The fetal heartbeat can be heard as early as 10 to 12 weeks of gestation with a Doppler and 18 to 20 weeks of gestation with a fetoscope.
Choice B reason: Quickening is the first perception of fetal movement by the pregnant woman, usually felt between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation for first-time mothers and 13 to 16 weeks of gestation for experienced mothers. However, quickening is not a positive sign of pregnancy, as it can be subjective and mistaken for other sensations, such as gas, hunger, or muscle spasms².
Choice C reason: Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy that involves nausea and vomiting, usually in the first trimester. However, morning sickness is not a positive sign of pregnancy, as it can be caused by other factors, such as food poisoning, stress, or medication.
Choice D reason: A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy, not a positive sign. A pregnancy test detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta, in the urine or blood of the woman. However, a positive pregnancy test does not guarantee a viable pregnancy, as it can be influenced by the timing, the quality, or the interpretation of the test. A positive pregnancy test can also occur in cases of ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or miscarriage.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A blood pressure increase to 138/86 mm Hg is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. The diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia include a BP of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on two occasions at least 4 hours apart, or a BP of 160/110 mm Hg or higher on one occasion.
Choice B reason: Pitting pedal edema at the end of the day is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. Edema is a common symptom of pregnancy and can be influenced by factors such as hydration, activity, and posture. Edema is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia.
Choice C reason: Weight gain of 0.5 kg during the past 2 weeks is not a concerning finding for preeclampsia. The recommended weight gain for a normal-weight woman during pregnancy is 11.5 to 16 kg, with an average of 0.4 kg per week in the second and third trimesters.
Choice D reason: A dipstick value of 3+ for protein in her urine is a concerning finding for preeclampsia. Proteinuria is one of the hallmark signs of preeclampsia and indicates renal impairment. A dipstick value of 3+ corresponds to a protein concentration of 300 mg/dL or higher, which is considered severe.
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