Growth and Development Q 11
The nurse is caring for a pregnant client. The client asks how the doctor could tell she was pregnant ‘just by looking inside.’ The nurse tells her the most likely explanation is that she had a positive Chadwick’s sign, which is a
A. Bluish coloration of the cervix and vaginal walls
B. Pronounced softening of the cervix
C. Clot of very thick mucous that obstructs the cervical canal
D. Slight rotation of the uterus to the right
Correct Answer: A. Bluish coloration of the cervix and vaginal walls.
Chadwick sign is an early sign of pregnancy that is characterized by the bluish-purple coloration of the cervix and vaginal walls which occurs during the 4th week of pregnancy. It is caused by vasocongestion.
Option B: Softening of the cervix is called the Goodell’s sign. In medicine, Goodell’s sign is an indication of pregnancy. It is a significant softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix from increased vascularization. This vascularization is a result of hypertrophy and engorgement of the vessels below the growing uterus. This sign occurs at approximately four weeks’ gestation.
Option C: An increase in vaginal discharge happens during the late third trimester. This thick mucous plug obstructs the cervical canal to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Towards the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge increases further. In the last week or so of pregnancy, it may contain streaks of sticky, jelly-like pink mucus.
Option D: With ascent from the pelvis, the uterus is slightly rotating to the right due to the presence of the rectosigmoid colon to the left side. This is called dextro-rotation.