Which of the following is the presumptive sign of pregnancy?

Appeared in: HP CHO -9 October 2022

Explanation

Nausea and vomiting, often called 'morning sickness', is a classic presumptive sign of pregnancy.
Presumptive signs are subjective symptoms experienced and reported by the woman.
These signs are not conclusive proof of pregnancy because they can be caused by other factors like gastrointestinal issues, stress, or hormonal changes.
While skin pigmentation changes are also presumptive, nausea and vomiting is a more common and classic early symptom.

Option A: Hegar's sign is the softening of the lower uterine segment. It is an objective sign detected by a healthcare provider during a physical examination.
Option C: While skin pigmentation changes (like chloasma or linea nigra) are also presumptive signs, nausea and vomiting is generally considered a more classic and earlier subjective symptom of pregnancy.
Option D: A positive serum (blood) pregnancy test detects the presence of the hormone hCG. It is classified as a probable sign, not presumptive.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of signs of pregnancy (Presumptive, Probable, Positive) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate clients that presumptive signs are not definitive. A comprehensive evaluation including probable and positive signs is necessary to confirm pregnancy.
It is a critical patient safety and education point to explain that a positive home urine test (a probable sign) needs follow-up with a healthcare provider for confirmation and to rule out other conditions.
Understanding this classification helps nurses in providing accurate anticipatory guidance to women who suspect they might be pregnant.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question: 'presumptive sign'.
Recall the three categories of pregnancy signs: Presumptive, Probable, and Positive.
Define 'presumptive' in your mind: These are subjective signs that the woman experiences (e.g., what she feels). They are suggestive but not conclusive.
Evaluate each option against this definition:
Hegar sign: This is something a doctor finds. It's objective, so it's not presumptive. It's a probable sign.
Nausea and vomiting: This is something the woman feels. It's subjective. This is a presumptive sign.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of signs of pregnancy (Presumptive, Probable, Positive)
Stem keywords: presumptive sign, pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: Which

QVTGScIkInHQCvfcg6rehp

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

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 224-226

Practise the full HP CHO -9 October 2022

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