Maternity Nursing: Antepartum Q 50
A nurse is reviewing the record of a client who has just been told that a pregnancy test is positive. The physician has documented the presence of a Goodell’s sign. The nurse determines this sign indicates:
A. A softening of the cervix.
B. A soft blowing sound that corresponds to the maternal pulse during auscultation of the uterus.
C. The presence of hCG in the urine.
D. The presence of fetal movement.
Correct Answer: A. A softening of the cervix.
In the early weeks of pregnancy, the cervix becomes softer as a result of increased vascularity and hyperplasia, which causes the Goodell’s sign.
Option B: Uterine souffle or placental souffle is a soft, blowing sound heard using a stethoscope, usually in the second trimester of pregnancy (13–28 weeks). This sound is heard most clearly in the lower part of the uterus and is synchronous with the pulse of the mother.
Option C: hCG levels can usually be detected in the urine about 10 days after conception. If the woman takes a urine pregnancy test fewer than 10 days after conception, the at-home tests might give a “false negative” response. This means it will show that she is not pregnant when she actually is.
Option D: Adequate oxygenation of the fetal tissues is central to fetal wellbeing. The importance of fetal movements as a marker of health has been demonstrated in sheep models, with fetal behavior being reflective of fetal brain function.