Maternity Nursing Q 37

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During a pelvic exam, the nurse notes a purple-blue tinge of the cervix. The nurse documents this as which of the following?

  

     A. Braxton-Hicks sign

     B. Chadwick’s sign

     C. Goodell’s sign

     D. McDonald’s sign

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Chadwick’s sign

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Chadwick’s sign is a bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased blood flow. It can be observed as early as 6 to 8 weeks after conception, and its presence is an early sign of pregnancy.

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Option A: Braxton Hicks contractions are painless contractions beginning around the 4th month. Braxton Hicks contractions are sporadic contractions and relaxation of the uterine muscle. Sometimes, they are referred to as prodromal or “false labor” pains. It is believed they start around 6 weeks gestation but usually are not felt until the second or third trimester of the pregnancy. Braxton Hicks contractions are the body’s way of preparing for true labor, but they do not indicate that labor has begun or is going to start.

Option C: Goodell 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 D: Flexibility of the uterus against the cervix is known as McDonald’s sign.

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