Question

The nurse is reviewing the record of a patient who has just been told that her pregnancy test is positive. The nurse notes that the physician has documented the presence of Goodell's sign. The nurse determines that this sign is indicative of:

a. A softening of the cervix
b. The presence of fetal movement
c. The presence of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine.
d. A soft blowing sound that corresponds with the maternal pulse tha tis heard while auscultating the uterus.

Answer 1

Goodell's sign indicates a softening of the cervix, suggesting readiness for childbirth. A woman experiencing contractions without cervical dilation or mucus plug expulsion is not in active labor, as these signs along with hormonal changes indicate the onset of labor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse determines that Goodell's sign is indicative of a softening of the cervix, which is one of the signs indicating that the body is preparing for childbirth. Goodell's sign is an important observation in prenatal care as it helps in assessing the progression towards labor.

A woman named Devin, at 35 weeks pregnant, suspects she is in labor due to mild contractions. However, upon examination, it is found that her cervical mucus plug is still intact and her cervix has not begun to dilate. Despite the contractions she is experiencing, this suggests that she is not in active labor. Labor typically involves a sequence of hormonal and physical changes, including the release of oxytocin, which stimulates contractions, and a drop in progesterone, which helps prepare the cervix for dilation. Additionally, the expulsion of the mucus plug is often associated with the onset of labor.