When assessing a woman in her first trimester, which emotional response would the nurse most likely expect to find?

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 is incorrect because ambivalence is a mixed or contradictory feeling towards something or someone. It may occur in some women during pregnancy, especially if the pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted. However, it is not the most likely emotional response in the first trimester.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because emotional lability is a rapid and exaggerated change in mood or affect. It may occur in many women during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, physical changes, and psychological stressors. Emotional lability may manifest as increased irritability, anxiety, sadness, or crying spells.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because introversion is a personality trait that indicates a preference for solitude and inward focus. It may be present in some women before or during pregnancy, but it is not an emotional response that is specific to the first trimester.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because acceptance is a positive attitude that indicates a willingness to embrace the reality of something or someone. It may develop in some women during pregnancy as they adjust to their new role and identity as mothers. However, it is not the most likely emotional response in the first trimester.