When assessing a client’s understanding of symptoms to report during her pregnancy, which statement would indicate to the nurse that the client comprehends the information given to her?

Choice A rationale
Hegar’s sign is a presumptive sign of pregnancy. It refers to the softening of the lower part of the uterus that occurs early in pregnancy. However, it is not a positive sign of pregnancy because it can also be caused by other conditions.
Choice B rationale
A positive pregnancy test is a probable sign of pregnancy. It indicates the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. However, false positives can occur, and other conditions can also cause elevated hCG levels.
Choice C rationale
Fetal movement felt by the examiner is a positive sign of pregnancy. This is because it provides direct evidence of the presence of a fetus.
Choice D rationale
Uterine contractions are not a positive sign of pregnancy. They can occur in various conditions and are not exclusive to pregnancy.

Choice A rationale
While it’s true that the growing uterus can exert pressure on the stomach and cause symptoms such as heartburn, this is more common in the later stages of pregnancy, not as early as 12 weeks.
Choice B rationale
Increased progesterone production does cause decreased motility of smooth muscle during pregnancy. This can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including heartburn. However, this is not the primary cause of heartburn during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Retained bile in the liver does not typically result in heartburn. Bile is produced by the liver and aids in the digestion of fats. If bile is retained in the liver, it can lead to conditions such as cholestasis, but it is not a direct cause of heartburn.
Choice D rationale
Increased estrogen production does not directly cause an increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid. However, the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, including increased levels of progesterone, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter. This relaxation can allow gastric acid to escape into the esophagus, causing heartburn.