During a vaginal exam, the nurse notes that the lower uterine segment is softened. The nurse documents this finding as:

Choice A Reason: This is correct because Chadwick's sign is a bluish or purplish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva caused by increased blood flow to the pelvic area during pregnancy. It is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and can be observed as early as six to eight weeks of gestation.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because Goodell's sign is a softening of the cervix due to increased vascularity and edema during pregnancy. It is another early sign of pregnancy and can be detected by palpation around six to eight weeks of gestation.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because Hegar's sign is a softening of the lower uterine segment or isthmus during pregnancy. It is also an early sign of pregnancy and can be felt by bimanual examination around six to twelve weeks of gestation.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because Homan's sign is a pain in the calf or popliteal region when the foot is dorsiflexed. It is a sign of deep vein thrombosis, which is a potential complication of pregnancy, but not a normal finding.

Choice A Reason: This is correct because recurrent pelvic infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can cause scarring and inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which can impair the normal movement of the fertilized egg to the uterus. This can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, usually in the fallopian tube.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in or on the ovaries. They are usually benign and do not affect fertility or pregnancy. However, some types of ovarian cysts, such as endometriomas or dermoid cysts, may require surgery to remove them, which can cause damage to the ovaries or fallopian tubes and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because use of oral contraceptives for 8 years is not a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. In fact, oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy by preventing ovulation and fertilization. However, if a woman becomes pregnant while taking oral contraceptives, she should stop taking them and consult her doctor, as they may have adverse effects on the developing fetus.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because heavy, irregular periods are not a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy. They may indicate other conditions such as hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or endometriosis, which can affect fertility or pregnancy, but not necessarily cause ectopic pregnancy.