A woman comes to the prenatal clinic suspecting that she is pregnant, and assessment reveals probable signs of pregnancy. Which findings would the nurse most likely assess? Select all that apply.
Ultrasound visualization of the fetus
Softening of the cervix
Positive pregnancy test
Absence of menstruation
Ballottement
Auscultation of a fetal heart beat
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because ultrasound visualization of the fetus is a positive sign of pregnancy, not a probable sign. A positive sign of pregnancy is a direct and definitive evidence of the presence of a fetus, such as fetal movement felt by the examiner or fetal heart sounds heard by a Doppler device.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because softening of the cervix, also known as Goodell's sign, is a probable sign of pregnancy. A probable sign of pregnancy is a strong indication of pregnancy based on physical changes in the reproductive organs, such as enlargement of the uterus or changes in the shape and consistency of the cervix.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because a positive pregnancy test, which detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood, is a probable sign of pregnancy. However, it is not a conclusive sign, as hCG can also be produced by other conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or trophoblastic tumors.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because absence of menstruation, also known as amenorrhea, is a probable sign of pregnancy. It occurs when ovulation and menstruation cease due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, it is not a definitive sign, as amenorrhea can also be caused by other factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances.
Choice E Reason: This is correct because ballottement, which is a rebounding of the fetus against the examiner's fingers during a pelvic examination, is a probable sign of pregnancy. It can be felt around 16 to 20 weeks of gestation.
Choice F Reason: This is incorrect because auscultation of a fetal heart beat, which can be heard by a fetoscope around 18 to 20 weeks of gestation or by a Doppler device around 10 to 12 weeks of gestation, is a positive sign of pregnancy, not a probable sign.
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 C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cervical insufficiency is a condition where the cervix dilates prematurely and painlessly during pregnancy, leading to preterm delivery or second trimester abortion. It is not a common cause of first trimester abortion, which occurs before 12 weeks of gestation.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus. They may cause heavy bleeding, pain, or infertility, but they are not a common cause of first trimester abortion. They may increase the risk of miscarriage in later stages of pregnancy.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because fetal genetic abnormalities are the most common cause of first trimester abortion, accounting for up to 70% of cases. Fetal genetic abnormalities are errors in the number or structure of chromosomes that occur during fertilization or cell division. They can cause developmental defects or fetal demise that result in spontaneous abortion.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because maternal disease is not a common cause of first trimester abortion. Maternal disease refers to any medical condition that affects the mother's health or pregnancy outcome, such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or infections. Maternal disease may increase the risk of miscarriage in later stages of pregnancy or cause other complications such as preterm labor or preeclampsia.
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