"Para" is defined as:

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer - 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Para, or parity, refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached the period of viability, which is generally considered to be 20 weeks of gestation or more.
This count includes both live births and stillbirths, and a multifetal pregnancy (like twins or triplets) is counted as a single 'para'.
It is a key component of a woman's obstetric history, often recorded using the more detailed GTPAL system.

Option A: This defines 'Gravida,' which is the total number of times a woman has been pregnant, regardless of the outcome or duration.
Option C: This describes a 'Term' birth, which is a delivery occurring between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. It is the 'T' in the GTPAL system.
Option D: This is the definition of an 'Abortion,' which is the termination of a pregnancy before the period of viability (less than 20 weeks). It is the 'A' in the GTPAL system.

Visual 1: Infographic: A clear visual breakdown of the GTPAL system (Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, Living children) with a sample calculation for a patient's history. This helps differentiate between the terms.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of 'Para' in obstetrical terminology (GTPAL system) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate documentation of parity (Para) and gravidity (Gravida) using the GTPAL system is fundamental in obstetrics for quick and clear communication of a patient's history among healthcare providers.
A patient's parity provides crucial information for risk assessment. For example, a history of preterm births (a high 'P' in GTPAL) alerts the nurse to an increased risk of preterm labor in the current pregnancy.
What if? If a patient is pregnant for the third time, had one full-term delivery of twins, and one miscarriage at 10 weeks, her history would be G3 T1 P0 A1 L2. This shows she is a multigravida but only a primipara, highlighting that Para counts pregnancies, not fetuses.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of fundamental obstetric terminology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Para'.
Recall the definitions within the Gravida/Para and GTPAL systems.
Differentiate 'Para' (number of pregnancies carried to viability) from 'Gravida' (total number of pregnancies).
Evaluate each option against the correct definition. Option A defines Gravida. Option C defines a Term birth. Option D defines an Abortion. Option B correctly defines Para.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QcXyCPzqpEV0IKeAur4mAl

Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer - 2019 (Shift-2)

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