Using the 5-digit obstetric history system, how would a nurse categorize a client with four pregnancies including one that ended at 38 weeks?

In the 5-digit obstetric history system, the notation is broken down into five components: G (gravida), T (term births), P (preterm births), A (abortions/miscarriages), and L (living children).

In this scenario, the client has had a total of four pregnancies (G4). Among those pregnancies, one ended at 38 weeks, which is considered a term birth. This would account for one term birth (T1). If we assume the other three pregnancies resulted in live births, that means there is one preterm birth (P1) indicating a birth that occurred after 20 weeks but before 37 weeks of gestation. Additionally, if one of the four pregnancies ended in an abortion or miscarriage, that would be accounted for with A1. Finally, if all three of the term pregnancies resulted in living children, this would result in L3.

Hence, the categorization would be: G4 for a total of four pregnancies, T1 for one term birth, P1 for one preterm birth, A1 for one abortion, and L3 for three living children. This corresponds perfectly with option B, making it the correct answer given the specifics provided in the scenario.