Positive, probable, presumptive
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is reviewing presumptive, probable, and positive signs of pregnancy. Which finding is a positive (diagnostic) sign of pregnancy?
Answer: C. A positive sign of pregnancy can only be attributed to the fetus: fetal heart sounds, visualization of the fetus by ultrasound, and palpation of fetal movement by the examiner. Amenorrhea and nausea are presumptive; a positive pregnancy test and Goodell's sign are probable.
Question 2 of 5
A woman planning pregnancy asks how to reduce neural-tube defects. The best teaching is to take:
Answer: B. Folic acid 400–800 mcg daily before conception and in early pregnancy reduces neural-tube defects like spina bifida.
Question 3 of 5
Which live vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy?
Answer: B. Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella are avoided in pregnancy. Inactivated vaccines (e.g., influenza shot, Tdap) are recommended.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse teaches a pregnant client about recommended weight gain. For a normal pre-pregnancy BMI, the typical range is about:
Answer: B. For a normal-BMI client, recommended total pregnancy weight gain is about 25–35 lb (11–16 kg). Underweight clients gain more; overweight clients gain less.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse provides preconception teaching. Which reduces the risk of birth defects most directly?
Answer: A. Folic acid before conception and in early pregnancy reduces neural-tube defects; also advise avoiding alcohol/tobacco and managing chronic conditions before pregnancy.
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References
Clinical references for this topic
