Maternal & Child Health Nursing Exam
Questions With Rationale Answers
Ballottement - ANSWER-a palpatory technique for feeling a floating object in the body
(especially for determining the position of a fetus by feeling the rebound of the fetus
after a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus)
Braxton Hick's contractions - ANSWER-Short, fairly painless uterine contractions during
pregnancy that may be mistaken for labor pains. They allow the uterus to grow and help
circulate blood through the uterine blood vessels.
Chadwick's sign - ANSWER-A purplish-blue color of the cervix and vagina caused by
the increased vascularity are both noted at about 8 wks.
Couvades syndrome - ANSWER-father's complaints of uncomfortable physical
symptoms, dietary changes, and weight gain because of his partner's pregnancy
Diastasis - ANSWER-seperation of normally joined parts
Goodell's sign - ANSWER-The softening of the cervix is a probable sign of pregnancy
Hegar's sign - ANSWER-A softening of the lower uterine segment found upon palpation
in the second or third month of pregnancy.
Lightening - ANSWER-descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in
pregnancy
Linea nigra - ANSWER-a dark line appearing on the abdomen and extending from the
pubis toward the umbilicus
Melasma/ chloasma - ANSWER-a tan discoloration of a woman's face that is associated
with pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives
Questions With Rationale Answers
Ballottement - ANSWER-a palpatory technique for feeling a floating object in the body
(especially for determining the position of a fetus by feeling the rebound of the fetus
after a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus)
Braxton Hick's contractions - ANSWER-Short, fairly painless uterine contractions during
pregnancy that may be mistaken for labor pains. They allow the uterus to grow and help
circulate blood through the uterine blood vessels.
Chadwick's sign - ANSWER-A purplish-blue color of the cervix and vagina caused by
the increased vascularity are both noted at about 8 wks.
Couvades syndrome - ANSWER-father's complaints of uncomfortable physical
symptoms, dietary changes, and weight gain because of his partner's pregnancy
Diastasis - ANSWER-seperation of normally joined parts
Goodell's sign - ANSWER-The softening of the cervix is a probable sign of pregnancy
Hegar's sign - ANSWER-A softening of the lower uterine segment found upon palpation
in the second or third month of pregnancy.
Lightening - ANSWER-descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in
pregnancy
Linea nigra - ANSWER-a dark line appearing on the abdomen and extending from the
pubis toward the umbilicus
Melasma/ chloasma - ANSWER-a tan discoloration of a woman's face that is associated
with pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives
