Question

A nurse is reviewing a basal body temperature chart with a couple. Which change would indicate probable ovulation?

1) An increase in temperature followed by a decrease for several days
2) A decrease in temperature followed by an increase for several days
3) A decrease in temperature that remains until menses begins
4) A steadily increasing temperature over seven days

Answer 1

A slight and sustained increase in basal body temperature after ovulation is the indicator that probable ovulation has occurred.

Step-by-step explanation:

The basal body temperature (BBT) chart is a method used to detect ovulation within a woman's menstrual cycle. When reviewing a BBT chart with a couple, the change that indicates probable ovulation is an increase in temperature followed by a sustained increase for several days.

After ovulation, the level of progesterone increases, which causes a slight rise in basal body temperature, and this elevated temperature typically persists until the onset of the next menstrual period.