Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Chadwick's sign is characterized by which of the following?

1. Softening of the cervix

2. Blue coloration of the cervix and vagina

3. Softening of the uterine isthmus

4. Nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy

The correct answer is: Blue coloration of the cervix and vagina

Chadwick's sign refers to the bluish discoloration observed in the cervix and the vagina that occurs during early pregnancy due to increased blood flow and vascular congestion. This change is a physiological response to the rising levels of hormones such as progesterone and is typically noticed around six to eight weeks of gestation. The blue coloration is a hallmark indicator of pregnancy and can help healthcare providers in making an early diagnosis. The other options present physical signs or symptoms that are relevant to pregnancy but are not related to Chadwick's sign specifically. Softening of the cervix is known as Goodell's sign, while softening of the uterine isthmus is known as Hegar's sign. Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy but are unrelated to the physical exam findings that Chadwick's sign indicates. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the various signs that accompany pregnancy and how they contribute to overall assessment and care.