Kathy presents with symptoms including amenorrhea and nausea. How should these symptoms be classified?

The symptoms of amenorrhea and nausea presented by Kathy are classified as presumptive signs of pregnancy. This classification is based on the following reasoning:

Presumptive signs are those symptoms that a woman experiences which suggest pregnancy but are not definitive or confirmatory on their own. Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a commonly recognized indicator of possible pregnancy, particularly in women who have regular cycles. Nausea, often referred to as morning sickness, is another strong indicator many women experience early in their pregnancy.

These signs are subjective and primarily based on the woman's own perception of her body, meaning they can be caused by other factors besides pregnancy. For example, stress, hormonal imbalances, or other health issues could potentially cause amenorrhea and nausea, which is why they are not classified as positive signs, which would be diagnostic or qualitative evidence of pregnancy (like fetal heart tones).

In contrast, probable signs of pregnancy include findings that a healthcare provider can objectively confirm, such as an enlarged uterus or positive urine tests for hCG, while possible signs of pregnancy are nonspecific and less commonly associated with the condition. Thus, the symptoms Kathy is experiencing are best classified as presumptive signs of pregnancy.