During a vaginal exam, the nurse notes that the lower uterine segment is softened. The nurse documents this finding as:

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because ultrasound visualization of the fetus is a positive sign of pregnancy, not a probable sign. A positive sign of pregnancy is a direct and definitive evidence of the presence of a fetus, such as fetal movement felt by the examiner or fetal heart sounds heard by a Doppler device.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because softening of the cervix, also known as Goodell's sign, is a probable sign of pregnancy. A probable sign of pregnancy is a strong indication of pregnancy based on physical changes in the reproductive organs, such as enlargement of the uterus or changes in the shape and consistency of the cervix.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because a positive pregnancy test, which detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood, is a probable sign of pregnancy. However, it is not a conclusive sign, as hCG can also be produced by other conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or trophoblastic tumors.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because absence of menstruation, also known as amenorrhea, is a probable sign of pregnancy. It occurs when ovulation and menstruation cease due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, it is not a definitive sign, as amenorrhea can also be caused by other factors such as stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances.

Choice E Reason: This is correct because ballottement, which is a rebounding of the fetus against the examiner's fingers during a pelvic examination, is a probable sign of pregnancy. It can be felt around 16 to 20 weeks of gestation.

Choice F Reason: This is incorrect because auscultation of a fetal heart beat, which can be heard by a fetoscope around 18 to 20 weeks of gestation or by a Doppler device around 10 to 12 weeks of gestation, is a positive sign of pregnancy, not a probable sign.

Choice A Reason: This option is incorrect because it is unrealistic and impractical to eliminate anxiety completely. Anxiety is a normal and natural response to pregnancy and childbirth, and it can have both positive and negative effects on the outcome. Anxiety can motivate women and their partners to seek information and care, but it can also interfere with their ability to relax and cope with pain. Perinatal education can help them manage their anxiety by providing accurate information, reassurance, and coping strategies.

Choice B Reason: This option is incorrect because it implies that the couple has no control over their pregnancy and birth unless they are empowered by perinatal education. While perinatal education can enhance their sense of control and autonomy, it is not the only factor that influences their experience. Pregnancy and birth are complex and dynamic processes that involve many factors beyond their control, such as biological, environmental, social, and cultural factors. Perinatal education can help them adapt to these factors and collaborate with their health care providers.

Choice C Reason: Perinatal education is a process of providing information and support to pregnant women and their partners before, during, and after childbirth. The main goal of perinatal education is to help them prepare for a positive birth experience, which can have lasting benefits for their physical and emotional health, as well as their relationship with their baby. Perinatal education can also help them make informed decisions about their care and preferences, and cope with any challenges or complications that may arise.

Choice D Reason: This option is incorrect because it is too narrow and limited in scope. Providing knowledge and skills that will help them cope with labor is an important aspect of perinatal education, but it is not the primary goal. Labor is only one stage of childbirth, and perinatal education covers a broader range of topics that are relevant for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Moreover, coping with labor is not the only outcome that matters for a positive birth experience. Perinatal education can also help them achieve other outcomes, such as satisfaction, empowerment, bonding, and well-being.