Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following symptoms is categorized as presumptive signs of pregnancy?

1. Amenorrhea and fatigue

2. Softening of the uterus

3. Fetal heart tones

4. Pregnancy test

The correct answer is: Amenorrhea and fatigue

Amenorrhea and fatigue are indeed categorized as presumptive signs of pregnancy because they are subjective symptoms experienced by the individual. Presumptive signs refer to changes that can be associated with pregnancy but can also have other potential explanations. Amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation, is one of the earliest signs that may indicate pregnancy; however, it is also possible due to stress, hormonal imbalances, or medical conditions. Similarly, fatigue is a common symptom experienced during early pregnancy, but other factors such as lack of sleep, depression, or illness can also lead to increased tiredness. Because these signs are based on the patient's reported experience rather than confirmed physiological changes or medical testing, they are categorized as presumptive. In contrast, the other options describe signs that are considered more definitive. For instance, softening of the uterus, known as Hegar’s sign, and the detection of fetal heart tones are both more objective signs that can be assessed by a healthcare provider. A positive pregnancy test provides a more definitive indication of pregnancy by detecting the hormone hCG in the body.