The dusky hue of the vestibule and anterior vaginal wall due to local vascular congestion is called as?

AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhopal NO - 2018 (Shift-1st)

Explanation

Chadwick's sign is the correct term for the dusky or bluish-purple discoloration of the vaginal mucosa, cervix, and vulva.
This change is caused by hyperemia, which is an increase in blood flow to the pelvic organs stimulated by the hormonal changes of early pregnancy.
It is considered a probable sign of pregnancy and typically appears around the 6th to 8th week of gestation.
It is also known as Jacquemier's sign.

Option B: Osiander's sign refers to the increased pulsation felt in the lateral vaginal fornices due to increased blood flow. It is a change in sensation (pulsation) rather than a visual change in color.
Option C: Homan's sign (corrected from 'Humans sign') is a clinical sign for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It involves pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot and is not a sign of pregnancy.
Option D: Goodell's sign is the significant softening of the cervix. It is a change in the texture or consistency of the cervix, not its color.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The question tests the knowledge of the early probable signs of pregnancy, specifically the clinical term for the bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses performing initial prenatal assessments look for these probable signs to support a diagnosis of pregnancy, especially before a fetal heartbeat is detectable via ultrasound.
Recognizing the difference between these signs is crucial for accurate documentation and assessment. For example, noting Chadwick's sign (color) versus Goodell's sign (texture) provides a more complete clinical picture.
Patient education is important. A nurse can explain that these changes are normal physiological responses to pregnancy hormones and increased blood supply.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical finding described in the question stem: a 'dusky hue' or bluish discoloration of the vaginal wall due to 'vascular congestion'.
Recall the definitions of the early signs of pregnancy provided in the options.
Match the described visual finding (color change) to the correct term. Chadwick's sign specifically refers to this bluish discoloration.
Differentiate this from the other options. Osiander's sign is about pulsation (palpable), Goodell's sign is about cervical softening (texture), and Homan's sign is unrelated to pregnancy signs (it's for DVT).
Confirm the answer by selecting the option that directly corresponds to the visual sign of discoloration.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The question tests the knowledge of the early probable signs of pregnancy, specifically the clinical term for the bluish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa.
Stem keywords: dusky hue, vestibule, anterior vaginal wall, local vascular congestion
Lead-in keywords: called as

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 39-58

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