Second stage of labor US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Second stage of labor. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 1: A 30-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, at 40 weeks' gestation is admitted to the hospital in active labor. Pregnancy was complicated by iron deficiency anemia treated with iron supplements. At the beginning of the first stage of labor, there are coordinated, regular, rhythmic contractions of high intensity that occur approximately every 10 minutes. Four hours later, the cervix is 100% effaced and 10 cm dilated; the vertex is at -1 station. Over the next two hours, there is minimal change in fetal descent; vertex is still at -1 station. Fetal birth weight is estimated at the 75th percentile. The fetal heart rate is 145/min and is reactive with no decelerations. Contractions occurs approximately every 2 minutes with adequate pressure. Epidural anesthesia was not given, as the patient is coping well with pain. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Cesarean section
- B. Observation for another hour (Correct Answer)
- C. Epidural anesthesia
- D. Vacuum-assisted delivery
- E. Administration of terbutaline
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Observation for another hour***
- This patient is experiencing a **prolonged second stage of labor**, defined as over 3 hours for nulliparous women with epidural or over 2 hours without. Since she is nulliparous and has not received an epidural, she has breached the initial 2-hour threshold but can labor for up to an additional hour before intervention is necessary.
- The **fetal heart rate (FHR) is reassuring**, and contractions are adequate, indicating no immediate fetal distress or uterine dysfunction, thus allowing for a period of continued observation.
*Cesarean section*
- While a C-section might eventually be indicated if labor fails to progress, it is **premature given the current clinical picture** and lack of fetal distress or clear maternal indication for immediate surgical intervention.
- The criteria for **arrest of descent** in the second stage are not fully met yet, especially considering she is nulliparous and has not received an epidural.
*Epidural anesthesia*
- Epidural anesthesia is used for **pain relief** during labor and can sometimes prolong the second stage, but it is not a management strategy for prolonged second stage itself, especially when the patient is coping well.
- Administering an epidural at this stage might **further compromise efforts** to push effectively and could prolong labor even more.
*Vacuum-assisted delivery*
- Operative vaginal delivery (vacuum or forceps) is considered for a prolonged second stage of labor when there is **arrest of descent** and specific cervical and fetal station criteria are met. However, it is not the first step when the fetus is still at -1 station and there's no immediate distress.
- The **vertex is at -1 station**, which is relatively high for an instrumental delivery unless clear arrest has been established and all other options are exhausted, or there's fetal compromise.
*Administration of terbutaline*
- **Terbutaline is a tocolytic** used to relax the uterus and inhibit contractions, most commonly in cases of preterm labor or uterine tachysystole.
- In this scenario, the patient has **adequate contractions**, and the goal is to facilitate labor progression, not inhibit it.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 2: A 27-year old primigravid woman at 37 weeks' gestation comes to the emergency department because of frequent contractions for 4 hours. Her pregnancy has been complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum which subsided in the second trimester. The contractions occur every 10–15 minutes and have been increasing in intensity and duration since onset. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), pulse is 110/min, and blood pressure is 140/85 mm Hg. Uterine contractions are felt on palpation. Pelvic examination shows clear fluid in the vagina. The cervix is 50% effaced and 3 cm dilated. After 4 hours the cervix is 80% effaced and 6 cm dilated. Pelvic examination is inconclusive for the position of the fetal head. The fetal heart rate is reassuring. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
- A. Administer oxytocin
- B. Perform external cephalic version
- C. Administer misoprostol
- D. Perform Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver
- E. Perform ultrasonography (Correct Answer)
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Perform ultrasonography***
- The examination notes that the **pelvic examination is inconclusive for the position of the fetal head**, which is a critical piece of information needed for safe delivery. **Ultrasonography** is the most appropriate next step to ascertain the fetal presentation and position, especially given the dilated cervix.
- Determining fetal position is essential to rule out **malpresentation**, such as **breech** or **transverse lie**, which would significantly impact the delivery plan and potentially necessitate a **cesarean section**.
*Administer oxytocin*
- **Oxytocin** is used to induce or augment labor when contractions are insufficient or labor is prolonged, but in this case, the cervix is progressing well (from 3 cm to 6 cm dilation in 4 hours), indicating **active labor**.
- Without knowing the fetal presentation, administering oxytocin could exacerbate issues if there's a **malpresentation**, potentially leading to **fetal distress** or **uterine rupture**.
*Perform external cephalic version*
- **External cephalic version (ECV)** is performed to change a **breech presentation** to a **cephalic presentation** by external manipulation, typically done before labor onset or early in labor at term.
- This patient is already in **active labor** with significant cervical dilation (6 cm), making ECV less likely to be successful and potentially increasing risks like **placental abruption** or **umbilical cord compression**.
*Administer misoprostol*
- **Misoprostol** is a prostaglandin analog used for **cervical ripening** and **labor induction** in cases where the cervix is unfavorable or labor needs to be initiated.
- This patient is already in **active labor** with progressive cervical dilation, making misoprostol unnecessary and potentially harmful due to the risk of **uterine hyperstimulation**.
*Perform Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver*
- The **Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver** is a technique used during a **vaginal breech delivery** to deliver the fetal head, specifically in cases of **frank or complete breech** that are being delivered vaginally.
- This maneuver is only performed *during* delivery of a breech baby, and the fetal position is currently unknown. It would be premature and inappropriate to consider this maneuver without first confirming a **breech presentation** and the decision for vaginal delivery.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 3: A 26-year-old G1P0 woman at 40 weeks estimated gestational age presents after experiencing labor pains. Pregnancy has been uncomplicated so far. Rupture of membranes occurs, and a transvaginal delivery is performed under epidural anesthesia, and the baby is delivered alive and healthy. The patient voids a few hours after the delivery and complains of mild irritation at the injection site on her back. On the second day, she complains of a severe headache over the back of her head. The headache is associated with pain and stiffness in the neck. Her headache is aggravated by sitting up or standing and relieved by lying down. The pain is relieved slightly by acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The patient is afebrile. Her vital signs include: pulse 100/min, respiratory rate 18/min, and blood pressure 128/84 mm Hg. Which of the following statements is the most accurate regarding this patient’s condition?
- A. A blockage of CSF is the cause of this patient’s headache
- B. An infection is present at the epidural injection site
- C. This patient’s condition can resolve on its own (Correct Answer)
- D. Excessive bed rest will worsen this patient’s condition
- E. Immediate intervention is required
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***This patient’s condition can resolve on its own***
- The symptoms describe a **post-dural puncture headache (PDPH)**, a common complication of epidural anesthesia, which is often **self-limiting** within days to weeks.
- Initial management involves conservative measures like bed rest, hydration, and analgesics, as many cases resolve without specific interventions.
*A blockage of CSF is the cause of this patient’s headache*
- PDPH is caused by a **leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)** through the dura mater, leading to **intracranial hypotension**, not a blockage of CSF flow.
- The leakage reduces CSF pressure, causing the brain to sag when upright, stretching pain-sensitive structures like meninges and blood vessels.
*An infection is present at the site of epidural injection site*
- While localized irritation is mentioned, there are no signs of infection such as **fever**, **erythema**, or **purulent discharge** at the injection site, making infection less likely.
- The headache characteristics (positional, severe, neck stiffness) are classic for PDPH, not typically seen in local epidural infections, which would also present with systemic signs.
*Excessive bed rest will worsen this patient’s condition*
- **Bed rest** typically **improves** the symptoms of PDPH by reducing the gravitational pull on the intracranial structures, thereby alleviating the headache.
- Prolonged bed rest is generally recommended in the acute phase, often combined with hydration and caffeine, to help manage symptoms, not worsen them.
*Immediate intervention is required*
- While severe PDPH can be debilitating, immediate invasive intervention (like an **epidural blood patch**) is usually reserved for cases that are **severe and refractory to conservative management** after 24-48 hours.
- Many patients experience spontaneous resolution or significant improvement with conservative measures, making immediate invasive intervention typically unnecessary.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 4: A 28-year-old primigravid woman at 36 weeks' gestation comes to the emergency department for 2 hours of contractions. Her pregnancy has been uncomplicated. The contractions occur once every 20–30 minutes, last less than 30 seconds, and have been consistent in intensity and duration since onset. During that time there has been an increase in fetal movements. Her temperature is 37.1°C (98.8°F), pulse is 98/min, and blood pressure is 104/76 mm Hg. Pelvic examination shows clear cervical mucus and a firm uterus consistent in size with a 36-week gestation. The cervix is 0% effaced and undilated; the vertex is at -3 station. The fetal heart rate is reassuring. After an hour of monitoring in the emergency department, the character of the contractions and pelvic examination findings remain unchanged. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?
- A. Admit for continuous monitoring
- B. Reassurance and discharge (Correct Answer)
- C. Administer tocolytics
- D. Perform cesarean delivery
- E. Offer local or regional anesthesia
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Reassurance and discharge***
- The patient's symptoms (contractions every 20-30 minutes, lasting less than 30 seconds, consistent in intensity and duration, **no cervical changes**) are consistent with **Braxton Hicks contractions** rather than true labor.
- Given the reassuring fetal movements, normal vital signs, and unchanged cervical examination after an hour of monitoring, **reassurance and discharge** with instructions to return for signs of true labor are appropriate.
*Admit for continuous monitoring*
- Admission for continuous monitoring is indicated for **true labor**, suspected fetal distress, or complications requiring close observation.
- This patient's findings, including lack of cervical change and stable contraction pattern, do not meet criteria for admission.
*Administer tocolytics*
- **Tocolytics** are used to stop or slow down premature labor.
- This patient is at **36 weeks' gestation** (near term) and is not in true labor, making tocolytic administration inappropriate and unnecessary.
*Perform cesarean delivery*
- **Cesarean delivery** is indicated for obstetric emergencies, fetal distress, or failed vaginal delivery.
- There are no indications for an operative delivery at this time; the patient is not in active labor and both mother and fetus are stable.
*Offer local or regional anesthesia*
- **Local or regional anesthesia** (e.g., epidural) is typically offered for pain management during active labor.
- Since the patient is not in active labor, pain management for labor is not necessary.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 5: A 30-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, at 38 weeks' gestation comes to the hospital for regular, painful contractions that have been increasing in frequency. Her pregnancy has been complicated by gestational diabetes treated with insulin. Pelvic examination shows the cervix is 50% effaced and 4 cm dilated; the vertex is at -1 station. Ultrasonography shows no abnormalities. A tocometer and Doppler fetal heart monitor are placed on the patient's abdomen. The fetal heart rate monitoring strip shows a baseline heart rate of 145/min with a variability of ≥ 15/min. Within a 20-minute recording, there are 7 uterine contractions, 4 accelerations, and 3 decelerations that have a nadir occurring within half a minute. The decelerations occur at differing intervals relative to the contractions. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
- A. Vibroacoustic stimulation
- B. Routine monitoring (Correct Answer)
- C. Administer tocolytics
- D. Emergent cesarean delivery
- E. Placement of fetal scalp electrode
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Routine monitoring***
- The presented FHR tracing exhibits a **normal baseline rate** (145/min), **moderate variability** (≥15/min), and the presence of **accelerations**, indicating a reassuring fetal status.
- The described decelerations are **variable decelerations** due to their sudden onset, nadir within 30 seconds, and variable relationship to contractions, which are generally benign unless prolonged, deep, or repetitive. Given the otherwise reassuring status, continued routine monitoring is appropriate.
*Vibroacoustic stimulation*
- This intervention is used to elicit **fetal accelerations** or movement during non-stress tests (NSTs) when the fetus is quiet or shows a non-reactive pattern.
- In this case, the fetus is already showing **accelerations** and moderate variability, so stimulation is not needed to assess fetal well-being.
*Administer tocolytics*
- **Tocolytics** are used to stop or slow down labor, typically in cases of preterm labor or uterine tachysystole causing fetal distress.
- This patient is at **38 weeks' gestation** and in active labor, and there are no signs of fetal distress warranting the cessation of contractions.
*Emergent cesarean delivery*
- **Emergent cesarean delivery** is indicated for acute fetal distress, such as prolonged decelerations, significant bradycardia, or absent variability in conjunction with other concerning FHR patterns.
- The FHR tracing described is largely reassuring with moderate variability and accelerations, and the variable decelerations are not indicative of immediate threat, making emergent delivery unnecessary.
*Placement of fetal scalp electrode*
- A **fetal scalp electrode** provides a more accurate and continuous measure of the FHR, often used when external monitoring is difficult or when there are concerns about the reliability of the tracing.
- While it can be useful in some situations, the current tracing is **interpretable as reassuring**, making invasive monitoring currently unnecessary.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 6: A 31-year-old woman delivers a healthy boy at 38 weeks gestation. The delivery is vaginal and uncomplicated. The pregnancy was unremarkable. On examination of the newborn, it is noted that his head is tilted to the left and his chin is rotated to the right. Palpation reveals no masses or infiltration in the neck. The baby also shows signs of left hip dysplasia. Nevertheless, the baby is active and exhibits no signs of other pathology. What is the most probable cause of this patient's condition?
- A. Basal ganglia abnormalities
- B. Antenatal trauma
- C. Congenital infection
- D. Accessory nerve palsy
- E. Intrauterine malposition (Correct Answer)
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Intrauterine malposition***
- The combination of **congenital muscular torticollis** (head tilted left, chin rotated right) and **hip dysplasia** in a newborn strongly suggests **intrauterine confinement**.
- **Malposition** *in utero* can restrict fetal movement and lead to musculoskeletal abnormalities due to prolonged pressure on developing structures.
*Basal ganglia abnormalities*
- **Basal ganglia abnormalities** typically present with movement disorders such as dyskinesias, dystonia, or rigidity, often without the specific musculoskeletal findings described.
- While they can cause abnormal posturing, the concurrent **hip dysplasia** points away from a primary neurological cause.
*Antenatal trauma*
- **Antenatal trauma** (trauma occurring during pregnancy before labor) severe enough to cause these musculoskeletal findings would typically require significant force and would likely present with other signs of injury or complications during pregnancy.
- The **unremarkable pregnancy** and **uncomplicated delivery** make trauma an unlikely cause.
- These findings are better explained by chronic positional constraint rather than acute traumatic injury.
*Congenital infection*
- **Congenital infections** such as TORCH infections usually present with a broader range of symptoms including systemic illness, neurological impairments (e.g., microcephaly, seizures), or specific organ damage.
- The isolated musculoskeletal findings of torticollis and hip dysplasia, without other signs, are not characteristic of a congenital infection.
*Accessory nerve palsy*
- **Accessory nerve palsy** would primarily affect the **sternocleidomastoid** and **trapezius muscles**, leading to weakness and potentially torticollis.
- However, it would not explain the associated **hip dysplasia**, making it an incomplete diagnosis for the overall presentation.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 7: A 54-year-old male comes to the clinic to initiate care with a new physician. He has no complaints at this time. When taking his history, the patient says his medical history is notable for diabetes and hypertension both of which are well managed on his medications. His medications are metformin and lisinopril. A review of systems is negative. While taking the social history, the patient hesitates when asked about alcohol consumption. Further gentle questioning by the physician leads the patient to admit that he drinks 5-6 beers per night and up to 10-12 drinks per day over the weekend. He says that he has been drinking like this for “years.” He becomes emotional and says that his alcohol is negatively affecting his relationship with his wife and children; however, when asked about efforts to decrease his consumption, the patient says he has not tried in the past and doesn’t think he has “the strength to stop”. Which of the following stages of change most accurately describes this patient’s behavior?
- A. Contemplation (Correct Answer)
- B. Maintenance
- C. Preparation
- D. Precontemplation
- E. Action
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Contemplation***
- The patient acknowledges his problem behavior (alcohol consumption) and its negative impact on his family, indicating an awareness of the issue.
- He expresses a desire for change ("strength to stop") but has not yet committed to taking action or made concrete plans, which is characteristic of the contemplation stage.
*Maintenance*
- This stage involves actively sustaining new behaviors and preventing relapse over a long period (typically 6 months or more).
- The patient admits he has not tried to decrease his consumption, ruling out any active behavior change or sustainability.
*Preparation*
- In this stage, individuals are ready to take action within the next month and have often developed a plan for change.
- The patient explicitly states he hasn't tried to reduce his alcohol intake and doesn't feel he has "the strength to stop," indicating a lack of readiness for immediate action or planning.
*Precontemplation*
- Individuals in this stage are unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that a problem exists and have no intention of changing their behavior in the foreseeable future.
- The patient clearly recognizes his drinking as a problem affecting his family, which distinguishes him from someone in precontemplation.
*Action*
- This stage involves actively modifying one's behavior, environment, or experiences to overcome problems.
- The patient has not made any efforts to decrease his alcohol consumption, meaning he has not yet entered the action phase.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 8: A 17-year-old teenager presents to the clinic with her parents complaining of headaches and loss of vision which began insidiously 3 months ago. She describes her headaches as throbbing, mostly on her forehead, and severe enough to affect her daily activities. She has not experienced menarche. Past medical history is noncontributory. She takes no medication. Both of her parents are alive and well. Today, her blood pressure is 110/70 mm Hg, the heart rate is 90/min, the respiratory rate is 17/min, and the temperature is 37.0°C (98.6°F). Breasts and pubic hair development are in Tanner stage I. Blood work is collected and an MRI is performed (the result is shown). Decreased production of which of the following hormones is the most likely explanation for the patient's signs and symptoms?
- A. Antidiuretic hormone
- B. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- C. Prolactin
- D. Gonadotropins (Correct Answer)
- E. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Second stage of labor Explanation: **Gonadotropins**
- The MRI image shows a **pituitary mass** (indicated by the red arrow) in a 17-year-old girl with **amenorrhea** (has not experienced menarche) and **Tanner stage I breast and pubic hair development**.
- This clinical picture, coupled with the mass effect, suggests **hypogonadotropic hypogonadism** due to compression of the pituitary gland, leading to insufficient production of **gonadotropins** (LH and FSH), which are essential for pubertal development and menstrual cycles.
*Antidiuretic hormone*
- Deficiency of ADH primarily causes **diabetes insipidus**, characterized by **polyuria** and **polydipsia**, which are not mentioned in this patient's symptoms.
- While a pituitary mass can affect ADH production, the primary clinical presentation here is related to pubertal delay.
*Adrenocorticotropic hormone*
- ACTH deficiency would lead to **adrenal insufficiency**, presenting with symptoms such as **fatigue, weakness, weight loss, hypotension, and electrolyte disturbances**. These symptoms are not described in the patient.
- Her vital signs (e.g., blood pressure) are within normal limits.
*Prolactin*
- Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can cause **amenorrhea** and **galactorrhea** (if the patient has reached puberty), but it is usually due to a **prolactinoma** or stalk compression.
- While a pituitary mass could potentially affect prolactin, the lack of pubertal development (Tanner stage I) points more directly to a general gonadotropin deficiency rather than isolated prolactinopathy.
*Thyroid-stimulating hormone*
- TSH deficiency would result in **hypothyroidism**, characterized by symptoms like **fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and bradycardia**.
- The patient's vital signs are normal, and symptoms of hypothyroidism are not described.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 9: A 62-year-old woman makes an appointment with her primary care physician because she recently started experiencing post-menopausal bleeding. She states that she suffered from anorexia as a young adult and has been thin throughout her life. She says that this nutritional deficit is likely what caused her to not experience menarche until age 15. She used oral contraceptive pills for many years, has never been pregnant, and experienced menopause at age 50. A biopsy of tissue inside the uterus reveals foci of both benign and malignant glandular cells. Which of the following was a risk factor for the development of the most likely cause of her symptoms?
- A. Menopause at age 50
- B. Never becoming pregnant (Correct Answer)
- C. Using oral contraceptive pills
- D. Menarche at age 15
- E. Being underweight
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Never becoming pregnant***
- **Nulliparity** is a significant risk factor for **endometrial cancer** as it implies longer exposure to unopposed estrogen, which stimulates endometrial proliferation.
- The diagnosis of malignant glandular cells in the context of post-menopausal bleeding strongly suggests **endometrial carcinoma**, where nulliparity contributes to increased estrogen exposure over time.
*Menopause at age 50*
- **Later age of menopause** (e.g., after 52) is a risk factor for endometrial cancer, as it prolongs the duration of estrogen exposure.
- Menopause at age 50 is considered within the **average range**, thus not typically an independent risk factor for endometrial cancer.
*Using oral contraceptive pills*
- **Combined oral contraceptive pills** (estrogen and progestin) actually **reduce the risk** of endometrial cancer.
- The progestin component in OCPs counteracts the proliferative effects of estrogen on the endometrium, offering protection.
*Menarche at age 15*
- **Early menarche** (before age 12) is a risk factor for endometrial cancer due to a longer lifetime exposure to estrogen.
- Menarche at age 15 is considered **later than average**, which would typically be a protective factor against endometrial cancer, as it shortens the duration of estrogen exposure.
*Being underweight*
- **Obesity** is a major risk factor for endometrial cancer because adipose tissue converts androgens to estrogens, leading to higher levels of circulating estrogen.
- Being underweight or having a history of anorexia does not increase the risk of endometrial cancer; in fact, it may be associated with **lower estrogen levels**, which could be protective.
Second stage of labor US Medical PG Question 10: A 30-year-old primigravida schedules an appointment with her obstetrician for a regular check-up. She says that everything is fine, although she reports that her baby has stopped moving as much as previously. She is 22 weeks gestation. She denies any pain or vaginal bleeding. The obstetrician performs an ultrasound and also orders routine blood and urine tests. On ultrasound, there is no fetal cardiac activity or movement. The patient is asked to wait for 1 hour, after which the scan is to be repeated. The second scan shows the same findings. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Missed abortion
- B. Ectopic pregnancy
- C. Complete abortion
- D. Fetal demise (Correct Answer)
- E. Incomplete abortion
Second stage of labor Explanation: ***Fetal demise***
- The absence of fetal cardiac activity and movement on repeated ultrasound scans at 22 weeks' gestation, after previously reporting fetal movement, is consistent with **fetal demise**.
- **Fetal demise** refers to the death of a fetus in utero at or after 20 weeks of gestation, or when the fetus weighs 350 grams or more.
*Missed abortion*
- **Missed abortion** (or missed miscarriage) is typically defined as a non-viable intrauterine pregnancy with a retained fetus or embryo without cardiac activity before 20 weeks of gestation.
- The patient is 22 weeks gestation, which places the condition beyond the general definition of a missed abortion.
*Ectopic pregnancy*
- In an **ectopic pregnancy**, the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube, and would not have reached 22 weeks with reported fetal movement.
- An ectopic pregnancy would present with earlier symptoms like **abdominal pain** and **vaginal bleeding**, and an ultrasound would show an empty uterus or evidence of extrauterine pregnancy.
*Complete abortion*
- A **complete abortion** involves the complete expulsion of all products of conception from the uterus.
- This would be characterized by **heavy vaginal bleeding** and the passage of tissue, which the patient denies.
*Incomplete abortion*
- An **incomplete abortion** occurs when some, but not all, products of conception have been expelled from the uterus.
- Similar to complete abortion, an incomplete abortion would typically involve **vaginal bleeding** and retained tissue, accompanied by **cramping**, which are absent in this case.
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