Dark purplish discoloration and congestion of vulva and vaginal mucus membrane is termed:

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Chadwick's sign is the characteristic bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa, cervix, and vulva.
This sign is caused by increased blood flow and vascular congestion in the pelvic region, which is stimulated by the high levels of estrogen during pregnancy.
It is considered a probable sign of pregnancy, meaning it is highly suggestive but not definitive.
Chadwick's sign typically appears around the 8th week of gestation and is a key finding during an early pelvic examination.

Option A: Hegar's sign is a tactile sign, not a visual one. It refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment (isthmus), which can be felt during a bimanual examination.
Option C: Osiander's sign is also a tactile sign. It is the increased pulsation felt through the lateral fornices of the vagina due to the increased blood flow through the uterine artery.
Option D: Goodell's sign is another tactile sign, specifically the marked softening of the cervix. The cervix changes from a consistency similar to the tip of the nose to the softness of the lips.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Probable signs of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the probable signs of pregnancy, like Chadwick's sign, is a fundamental clinical skill for nurses and midwives, especially in initial assessments.
These signs help in forming a presumptive diagnosis of pregnancy, prompting further confirmatory tests like urine hCG or ultrasound.
Understanding the physiological basis of these signs (i.e., hormonal effects on vascularity and tissues) is crucial for comprehensive patient education.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core description in the question stem: 'dark purplish discoloration and congestion' of the vulva and vagina.
Recognize that this is a visual sign related to a color change.
Systematically review the definitions of the four options provided.
Hegar's sign, Osiander's sign, and Goodell's sign are all tactile signs, meaning they are assessed by touch (softening or pulsation).
Chadwick's sign is the only visual sign among the options that describes a color change (bluish-purple) due to increased blood flow.
Therefore, match the description of 'purplish discoloration' directly to Chadwick's sign.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Probable signs of pregnancy
Stem keywords: dark purplish discoloration, congestion, vulva, vaginal mucus membrane
Lead-in keywords: termed

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 39-58

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 6-11

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO - 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.