A nurse in a prenatal clinic is caring for a client who believes that she might be pregnant because she feels the baby moving. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
A.
“This is a probable sign of pregnancy.”
B.
“This is a possible sign of pregnancy.”
C.
“This is a positive sign of pregnancy.”
D.
“This is a presumptive sign of pregnancy.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. “This is a presumptive sign of pregnancy.”
Explanation:
In prenatal care, signs of pregnancy are categorized into three main types: presumptive, probable, and positive signs. Each category reflects the reliability and certainty of the sign in indicating pregnancy.
- Presumptive Signs:
- These are subjective symptoms reported by the patient that suggest pregnancy but are not definitive. They include things like nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and the sensation of fetal movement. The sensation of fetal movement, often described as feeling “butterflies” or “fluttering” in the abdomen, falls into this category. It’s important to note that while this feeling is a common symptom of pregnancy, it can also be caused by other conditions or gastrointestinal issues. Hence, it’s termed “presumptive” because it is suggestive but not conclusive.
- Probable Signs:
- These are objective signs observed by a healthcare provider that are highly indicative of pregnancy but can still be attributed to other conditions. Examples include changes in the size of the abdomen, positive urine pregnancy tests, or changes in the color of the cervix (Chadwick’s sign). These signs provide stronger evidence of pregnancy compared to presumptive signs, but they are not definitive.
- Positive Signs:
- These are definitive and unmistakable signs of pregnancy that can only be attributed to pregnancy. They include the visualization of the fetus via ultrasound, the detection of fetal heart tones using a Doppler device, or the palpation of fetal movements by a trained examiner. Positive signs confirm pregnancy with a high degree of certainty.
In the case of a client feeling fetal movement, it is classified as a presumptive sign because it relies on the subjective experience of the client and is not a definitive indicator of pregnancy on its own. For a conclusive diagnosis of pregnancy, further evaluation including a physical examination, ultrasound, and/or other definitive tests is necessary.