Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What type of sign is indicated by a positive pregnancy test?

1. Presumptive sign

2. Probable sign

3. Positive sign

4. Possible sign

The correct answer is: Positive sign

A positive pregnancy test is classified as a positive sign of pregnancy. This type of sign indicates definitive evidence of pregnancy due to the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Positive signs are those that provide clear, objective proof of pregnancy, typically confirmed through laboratory tests or clinical findings, such as detecting fetal heart tones via ultrasound or observing fetal movement. In contrast, presumptive signs refer to symptoms that the woman experiences, such as missed periods, nausea, or breast tenderness, which can suggest pregnancy but are not definitive. Probable signs include observations that a healthcare provider can make, like changes in the cervix or a positive urine test, but they may still require further validation. Possible signs would generally involve indications that are not confirmed and may suggest alternative conditions. The definitive nature of a positive pregnancy test solidifies its classification as a positive sign.