Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Practice Exam

Goodell's sign refers specifically to the softening of the cervix that can be observed during the first trimester of pregnancy. This sign is an important physical examination finding that indicates the hormonal changes occurring in a woman's body as it prepares for pregnancy. During early pregnancy, increased vascularization and hormonal influences lead to this cervical softening, making it a reliable indicator for healthcare providers assessing early pregnancy.

Hegar's sign, while also relevant during pregnancy, specifically refers to the softening of the lower uterine segment, not the cervix, and is typically noted during a pelvic exam later in the first trimester. Striae are stretch marks that occur as the skin stretches due to pregnancy but do not have any relation to cervical changes. Lightening is a term used to describe the descent of the fetus into the pelvis, which occurs closer to term rather than in the first trimester. Thus, Goodell's sign stands out as the correct answer in relation to cervical softening during early pregnancy.