The nurse teaches a pregnant woman about the presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. The woman demonstrates understanding of the nurse's instructions if she states that a positive sign of pregnancy is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: fetal movement palpated by the nurse-midwife. This is a positive sign of pregnancy because it is a direct indication of the presence of a fetus. Fetal movements can only be felt once the baby has developed enough to be physically palpable, typically around 18-20 weeks of gestation. This sign is considered reliable and conclusive evidence of pregnancy.
A: A positive pregnancy test is a presumptive sign, as it indicates the possibility of pregnancy but is not definitive.
C: Braxton Hicks contractions are probable signs, as they are common in pregnancy but do not confirm the presence of a fetus.
D: Quickening, the mother's first perception of fetal movements, is a probable sign and does not provide definitive proof of pregnancy.