The patient has just learned that she is pregnant and overhears the gynecologist saying that she has a positive Chadwick's sign. When the patient asks the nurse what this means, how would the nurse respond?
A) "Chadwick's sign signifies an increased risk of blood clots in pregnant women because of a congestion of blood."
B) "That sign means the cervix has softened as the result of tissue changes that naturally occur with pregnancy."
C) "This means that a mucus plug has formed in the cervical canal to help protect you from uterine infection."
D) "This sign occurs normally in pregnancy, when estrogen causes increased blood flow in the area of the cervix."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing levels of estrogen cause hyperemia (congestion with blood) of the cervix, resulting in the characteristic bluish purple color that extends to include the vagina and labia. This discoloration, referred to as Chadwick's sign, is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Although Chadwick's sign occurs with hyperemia (congestion with blood), the sign does not signify an increased risk of blood clots. The softening of the cervix is called Goodell's sign, not Chadwick's sign. Although the formation of a mucus plug protects from infection, it is not called Chadwick's sign.

The Patient Has Just Learned That She Is Pregnant and Overhears