Labor and Delivery — MCQs

Labor and Delivery Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1081: Which of the following is not a cause of hematoma during labor?

A. Extension of cervical laceration
B. Rupture of paravaginal venous plexus
C. Improper haemostasis
D. Obliteration of dead space while suturing vaginal wall (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Obliteration of dead space while suturing vaginal wall*** - This action actually **prevents hematoma formation** by ensuring proper coaptation of tissues and eliminating potential spaces for blood collection. - Good surgical technique, including **obliterating dead space**, is crucial for achieving effective hemostasis and wound healing. *Improper haemostasis* - **Inadequate control of bleeding** from blood vessels during or after delivery can lead to blood accumulation and hematoma formation. - This can be due to **insufficient ligation of vessels** or failure to adequately compress bleeding sites. *Extension of cervical laceration* - An **unrepaired or inadequately repaired cervical laceration** can continue to bleed, and if the bleeding is concealed, it can form a hematoma. - The rich vascular supply of the cervix makes it a significant source of potential blood loss if injured. *Rupture of paravaginal venous plexus* - The **paravaginal venous plexus** can be traumatized or ruptured during labor, especially with difficult deliveries, leading to significant bleeding into the surrounding tissues. - This often results in the formation of **pudendal or vulvovaginal hematomas**, which can be quite large and cause severe pain.

Question 1082: What is the purpose of the Prague maneuver in obstetrics?

A. To assess the fetal position in deep transverse arrest
B. To extract extended arms during delivery
C. To deliver the head in breech presentation when the fetal back is posterior (Correct Answer)
D. To turn a fetus from breech to head-down position before labor

Explanation: ***To deliver the head in breech presentation when the fetal back is posterior*** - The **Prague maneuver** is a technique specifically designed for the extraction of the fetal head during a **breech delivery**, typically when the fetal back is in the **posterior position**. - It involves placing two fingers of one hand on the maxilla while grasping the shoulders of the fetus from behind with the other hand, allowing traction to flex and deliver the aftercoming head. - This maneuver is particularly useful when the **fetal back is posterior**, making access to the face more difficult; when the back is **anterior**, the Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver is typically preferred. *To assess the fetal position in deep transverse arrest* - **Deep transverse arrest** refers to a situation where the fetal head is arrested in the transverse diameter of the maternal pelvis; assessment primarily involves vaginal examination and ultrasound. - The Prague maneuver is a **delivery technique**, not a diagnostic assessment tool for fetal position. *To turn a fetus from breech to head-down position before labor* - Turning a fetus from a **breech to a cephalic position** before labor is typically achieved through **external cephalic version (ECV)**. - The Prague maneuver is an **intrapartum intervention** used during the actual delivery of a breech baby, not an antepartum repositioning technique. *To extract extended arms during delivery* - The extraction of **extended arms** during a breech delivery is usually managed by maneuvers such as the **Løvset maneuver** or attempting to sweep the arms down over the chest. - While arm position can affect delivery, the Prague maneuver is primarily focused on the **delivery of the aftercoming head** when the fetal back is posterior.

Question 1083: Hematuria in previous LSCS patient indicates -

A. Placenta previa
B. No significant findings
C. Urinary tract infection (Correct Answer)
D. Rupture uterus

Explanation: ***Urinary tract infection*** - Hematuria in a patient with a previous **LSCS** (Lower Segment Caesarean Section) is a common symptom of a **urinary tract infection (UTI)**, as pregnancy itself, and sometimes a previous C-section, can increase UTI risk. - While a previous LSCS might alter pelvic anatomy, a UTI is a more direct and common cause of hematuria in this scenario than other obstetrical complications. *Placenta previa* - **Placenta previa** primarily causes **painless vaginal bleeding** in the second or third trimester due to the placenta covering the cervical os, not hematuria directly from the urinary tract. - While bleeding might be significant, it originates from the uterus, not the bladder, and is typically bright red vaginal bleeding. *No significant findings* - **Hematuria** is a significant finding that warrants investigation, as it indicates blood in the urine and is never considered "no significant finding." - It could be a sign of various underlying conditions, ranging from benign to serious, necessitating evaluation. *Rupture uterus* - **Uterine rupture** is a catastrophic event in pregnancy, often presenting with **severe abdominal pain**, fetal distress, and significant **vaginal bleeding**, not isolated hematuria. - While it's a serious complication, the blood would primarily be from the uterus or internal hemorrhage, not directly in the urine.

Question 1084: All are true about constriction rings except which of the following?

A. Can be caused by excessive use of oxytocin.
B. Also known as Schroeder's ring. (Correct Answer)
C. Ring can be palpated per abdomen
D. Inhalation of amyl nitrate can relax the ring.

Explanation: ***Also known as Schroeder's ring.*** - This statement is **INCORRECT** and is the correct answer to this "except" question. - **Schroeder's ring** is NOT synonymous with constriction rings. Schroeder's ring is a **physiological retraction ring** at the junction of the upper and lower uterine segments, which is a normal finding. - **Constriction rings** are **pathological, localized spastic contractions** of the uterine muscle at any level, causing obstruction to fetal descent. They differ from Bandl's pathological retraction ring. *Can be caused by excessive use of oxytocin.* - **Excessive oxytocin** can lead to **uterine hyperstimulation** and **incoordinate uterine contractions**, which may result in the formation of constriction rings. - This is a known iatrogenic cause of pathological constriction rings during labor. *Ring can be palpated per abdomen* - **Constriction rings** can sometimes be palpated as a **depression or groove** on the uterine surface during abdominal examination when they are well-developed. - They present as localized areas of myometrial spasm that may be clinically detectable. *Inhalation of amyl nitrate can relax the ring.* - **Amyl nitrite** (or amyl nitrate) is a **smooth muscle relaxant** that can be used to relax uterine constriction rings. - It acts as a **vasodilator** and **uterine relaxant**, temporarily relieving the spastic contraction to facilitate delivery or manual manipulation.

Question 1085: In which obstetric condition is assisted head delivery typically performed?

A. Shoulder dystocia
B. Breech presentation (Correct Answer)
C. Transverse lie
D. Normal delivery

Explanation: ***Breech presentation*** - In a **breech presentation**, the baby's buttocks or feet are delivered first, necessitating assisted head delivery to prevent **head entrapment** in the maternal pelvis, which can lead to fetal hypoxia or trauma. - Techniques like the **Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver** are employed to carefully deliver the fetal head after the body. *Shoulder dystocia* - This condition involves the impaction of the fetal shoulder against the maternal symphysis pubis after the head has been delivered. - The focus of management is on delivering the shoulders, not the head, through maneuvers such as the **McRoberts maneuver** or **suprapubic pressure**. *Transverse lie* - A **transverse lie** means the baby is positioned horizontally across the uterus, preventing vaginal delivery without intervention (e.g., external cephalic version or C-section). - This position requires repositioning or surgical delivery of the entire fetus, and assisted head delivery is not the primary concern. *Normal delivery* - In a **normal (vertex) delivery**, the fetal head presents first and typically delivers spontaneously with minimal assistance. - The head usually flexes and rotates to navigate the birth canal on its own, so specific assisted head delivery techniques are not typically required.

Question 1086: Which of the following actions should be avoided during the delivery of an Rh-negative mother?

A. Gently perform manual removal of placenta if necessary (Correct Answer)
B. Withhold ergometrine until after anterior shoulder delivery
C. Administer IV fluids
D. Apply fundal pressure during second stage of labor

Explanation: ***Gently perform manual removal of placenta if necessary*** - **Manual removal of the placenta** can significantly increase the risk of **fetomaternal hemorrhage**, which is particularly dangerous in an **Rh-negative mother**. Large amounts of fetal blood entering the maternal circulation can lead to significant alloimmunization, making subsequent pregnancies high-risk. - This procedure should be **avoided if possible** due to the heightened risk of sensitizing the mother to Rh antigens; if it is absolutely necessary, a **higher dose of Rh immunoglobulin** may be required. *Withhold ergometrine until after anterior shoulder delivery* - **Ergometrine** is a uterotonic agent used to prevent **postpartum hemorrhage**. Withholding it until after the birth of the anterior shoulder is a **standard practice** to prevent uterine tetany before the baby is fully delivered. - This action does not pose a specific risk to an **Rh-negative mother** related to Rh sensitization; it is a general obstetric safety measure to ensure safe delivery and should **not be avoided**. *Apply fundal pressure during second stage of labor* - **Fundal pressure** (applying pressure to the top of the uterus to expedite delivery) is a **controversial practice** that is generally discouraged due to potential maternal and fetal complications. - While it may theoretically carry a small risk of **fetomaternal hemorrhage**, it is not specifically contraindicated in Rh-negative mothers more than in others. The main concerns are **uterine rupture**, **maternal injury**, and **fetal trauma**. If appropriate precautions with **Rh immunoglobulin** are taken, Rh status alone is not a reason to avoid this practice (though it should generally be avoided for other safety reasons). *Administer IV fluids* - **Intravenous fluids** are commonly administered during labor and delivery to maintain **hydration**, support **blood pressure**, and provide a route for medications. This is a **routine and safe practice**. - Administering IV fluids has no direct impact on **Rh sensitization** and is not contraindicated in an **Rh-negative mother**.

Question 1087: Bishop scoring is done for ?

A. Exchange transfusion in newborns
B. Newborn ventilation assessment
C. Newborn gestation assessment
D. Induction of labor assessment (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Induction of labor assessment*** - The **Bishop score** is a pre-labor scoring system used to assess the ripeness of the cervix. - A higher score indicates a more **favorable cervix** for the successful **induction of labor**. *Exchange transfusion in newborns* - **Exchange transfusion** is primarily indicated for severe hyperbilirubinemia or hemolytic disease in newborns. - Its assessment is based on **bilirubin levels** and other clinical factors, not the Bishop score. *Newborn ventilation assessment* - **Newborn ventilation assessment** involves evaluating respiratory effort, heart rate, and oxygenation status, often using scores like the **Apgar score**. - The Bishop score is unrelated to neonatal respiratory function. *Newborn gestation assessment* - **Newborn gestation assessment** is typically performed using methods like the **New Ballard Score** or by reviewing prenatal ultrasound dating. - The Bishop score is used in *maternal* obstetric management, not directly for neonatal gestational age estimation.

Question 1088: Commonest variety of compound presentation is?

A. Head with hand (Correct Answer)
B. Head with both feet
C. Head, hand & feet
D. Head with feet

Explanation: ***Head with hand*** - This is the **most frequent type** of compound presentation, where a fetal extremity (typically a hand) prolapses alongside the fetal head into the maternal pelvis. - It occurs due to factors that prevent the fetal head from snugly filling the pelvis, such as **cephalopelvic disproportion** or a **high fetal station**. *Head with foot* - While possible, the presentation of the **head with a foot** is less common than with a hand. - A foot alongside the head often suggests a more complex presentation or potential issues with fetal lie or attitude. *Head with both foot* - The simultaneous presentation of the **head with both feet** is exceedingly rare. - This scenario would indicate a profound degree of space for fetal extremities to descend alongside the head, possibly in cases of extreme prematurity or pelvic relaxation. *Head, hand & foot* - The combined presentation of the **head, a hand, and a foot** is extremely uncommon. - Such a complex presentation would suggest significant fetal mobility in a large pelvic space, making it a very rare occurrence in clinical practice.

Question 1089: Which type of pelvis is most commonly associated with dystocia?

A. Android (Correct Answer)
B. Platypelloid
C. Gynaecoid
D. Anthropoid

Explanation: ***Android*** - The **android pelvis** has a **heart-shaped inlet** and converging side walls, which significantly increases the risk of **dystocia** due to restricted passage for the fetal head. - This pelvic shape is more common in men but can also be found in women, leading to a higher likelihood of **cephalopelvic disproportion**. *Platypelloid* - The **platypelloid pelvis** has a **flattened oval inlet** with a short anteroposterior diameter and a wide transverse diameter. - While it can lead to difficulties with engagement and rotation, it is not as commonly associated with severe dystocia as the android type, as the fetal head can often rotate to fit. *Gynaecoid* - The **gynaecoid pelvis** is considered the **ideal female pelvis** with a rounded or slightly oval inlet and well-proportioned diameters. - It is associated with the **easiest and most successful vaginal deliveries** and therefore is least likely to cause dystocia. *Anthropoid* - The **anthropoid pelvis** has an **oval inlet** with a long anteroposterior diameter and a relatively short transverse diameter. - While it can sometimes lead to an **occiput-posterior presentation**, it is not as strongly associated with dystocia as the android pelvis.

Question 1090: Which drug is associated with decreased fetal heart rate during labor?

A. Oxytocin (Correct Answer)
B. Sodium bicarbonate
C. IV fluids
D. Iron

Explanation: ***Oxytocin*** - **Oxytocin** stimulates uterine contractions, which can reduce blood flow to the placenta and temporarily decrease **fetal oxygenation**, leading to **fetal heart rate decelerations**. - Overstimulation of the uterus by oxytocin can result in **tachysystole** (>5 contractions in 10 minutes), potentially causing **fetal hypoxia** and associated changes in fetal heart rate patterns such as late decelerations or bradycardia. *Sodium bicarbonate* - **Sodium bicarbonate** is used to correct metabolic acidosis, but it does not directly affect **fetal heart rate** or uterine activity in a way that causes decelerations. - Its administration is unlikely to impact fetal heart rate unless the underlying condition causing acidosis also affects fetal well-being, which is not a direct drug effect. *IV fluids* - **Intravenous fluids** are often administered during labor to maintain hydration and support maternal circulation, which generally helps improve **fetal well-being** and maintain normal fetal heart rate patterns. - They can help optimize **uterine perfusion**, thereby improving oxygen delivery to the fetus and reducing the risk of fetal distress. *Iron* - **Iron** is essential for red blood cell production and preventing maternal anemia; it has no direct or acute effect on **fetal heart rate** during labor. - Administered as a supplement, iron is not a medication used during labor to impact **uterine contractility** or fetal heart rate in the way oxytocin does.

Practice by Chapter

Physiology of Labor

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Stages of Labor and Normal Progression

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Fetal Monitoring Techniques

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Pain Management in Labor

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Induction and Augmentation of Labor

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Operative Delivery (Forceps and Vacuum)

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Cesarean Section: Indications and Techniques

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Dystocia and Abnormal Labor Patterns

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Obstetric Emergencies

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Postpartum Hemorrhage Management

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