A nurse is assisting with a prenatal examination of a client who is at 8 weeks of gestation. The nurse notes that the client’s vagina and vulva are a purplish color. The nurse should document this finding as which of the following?
A.
Ballottement
B.
Chadwick’s sign
C.
Hegar’s sign
D.
Chloasma
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Chadwick’s sign.
Explanation:
Chadwick’s sign is a clinical finding observed during a prenatal examination. It is characterized by a purplish or bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and the cervix. This sign is named after the American gynecologist James Chadwick, who first described it. Chadwick’s sign is a result of increased blood flow and vascular congestion in the pelvic region during early pregnancy, primarily due to the effects of elevated estrogen levels.
This discoloration usually becomes apparent around the 6th to 8th week of gestation and is considered an early indicator of pregnancy. It is one of the common physical changes that occur in the reproductive organs as the body adapts to the growing pregnancy. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize this sign as it can assist in the early confirmation of pregnancy, although it should be noted that it is not definitive on its own and should be considered along with other clinical findings and diagnostic tests.
A. Ballottement refers to a technique used to assess fetal movement by palpating the uterus. It typically becomes positive later in pregnancy, around 16 to 18 weeks of gestation, and is not associated with early signs of pregnancy.
C. Hegar’s sign is another sign of early pregnancy but involves the softening of the lower uterine segment. This sign usually becomes detectable between 6 to 12 weeks of gestation during a pelvic examination.
D. Chloasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” refers to hyperpigmentation of the skin on the face that commonly occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is not related to the purplish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix observed in early pregnancy.
In summary, Chadwick’s sign is the appropriate term for the purplish color observed in the vagina and vulva during early pregnancy, making it the correct choice among the options provided.