FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

A pregnant woman reports a soft midline swelling that is non-tender. What does this most likely indicate?

1. Linea nigra

2. Chadwick's sign

3. Round ligament pain

4. Diastasis recti

The correct answer is: Diastasis recti

The presence of a soft midline swelling that is non-tender in a pregnant woman is most indicative of diastasis recti. This condition occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles, which run vertically on either side of the midline of the abdomen, separate due to the stretching caused by the growing uterus. As the pregnancy progresses, the increasing abdominal pressure can create a gap between these muscles, leading to a bulge or swelling in the midline, especially when the woman engages her abdominal muscles or during activities like standing up. Diastasis recti is generally painless, which aligns with the non-tender nature of the swelling described in the scenario. This is a common condition during pregnancy and is usually a cosmetic concern rather than a serious health issue. Other options represent different phenomena experienced during pregnancy but do not align with the description. For example, the linea nigra is a dark line that runs down the midline of the abdomen and does not present as a swelling. Chadwick's sign refers to the purplish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow and is not associated with a swelling in the abdomen. Round ligament pain is typically sharp and occurs as the round ligaments