What is the increased pulsation felt in the lateral fornices of the vagina during pregnancy called? Increase pulsation felt in lateral fornices of vagina in pregnancy is termed as a?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2018

Explanation

Osiander sign is defined as the increased pulsation felt through the lateral fornices of the vagina.
This sign appears around the 8th week of pregnancy.
The pulsation is due to the significant increase in blood flow through the uterine arteries to supply the gravid uterus.
It is classified as a probable sign of pregnancy, meaning it is a strong indicator but not conclusive on its own.

Option A: Chadwick sign refers to a color change, not a pulsation. It is the bluish or purplish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and vulva due to increased vascularity.
Option B: Goodell sign refers to a change in the consistency (softness) of the cervix, not a pulsation. It is the softening of the cervix, which changes from feeling like the tip of the nose to the softness of lips.
Option C: Hegar's sign refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment (the isthmus), which is felt during a bimanual examination. It does not involve pulsation in the vaginal fornices.

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, such as Osiander sign, is a fundamental skill for nurses and midwives during early antenatal assessment.
These signs, when assessed together, increase the likelihood of a correct pregnancy diagnosis before more definitive tests like ultrasound are performed.
It is crucial to differentiate these signs to avoid misdiagnosis. For example, confusing a pulsation with a mass could lead to unnecessary investigations.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: "increased pulsation felt in the lateral fornices."
This is a direct recall question requiring knowledge of the specific signs of pregnancy.
Systematically review the definitions of each option provided.
Chadwick sign is a color change (bluish).
Goodell sign is a texture change (softening of the cervix).
Hegar's sign is a texture change (softening of the lower uterus).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 7-12

Practise the full MP CHO-2018

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