Maternal-Fetal Medicine Practice Questions

Q: The 'T' sign is associated with which condition?

Monochorionic twin pregnancy. ***Monochorionic twin pregnancy*** - The **'T' sign** on ultrasound is highly suggestive of a **monochorionic twin pregnancy**, indicating shared placenta and a thin inter-twin membrane that meets the chorion at a sharp, T-shaped angle. - This sign identifies the absence of a chorionic plate extending into the inter-twin membrane, distinguishing it from thick-membraned dichorionic pregnancies. *Dichorionic twin pregnancy* - Dichorionic pregnancies typically exhibit the **'lambda' or 'twin peak' sign**, where the chorion extends into the inter-twin membrane, creating a triangular projection, not a 'T' shape. - This sign indicates two separate placentas (or fused but distinct placentas) and two chorions, leading to a thicker inter-twin membrane. *Normal singleton pregnancy* - A normal singleton pregnancy involves only one fetus, and therefore no inter-twin membrane or associated signs like the 'T' or 'lambda' sign are present. - The concept of chorionicity and amnionicity is specific to multiple gestations, particularly twin pregnancies. *Multiple gestation* - While a monochorionic twin pregnancy is a type of multiple gestation, the term "multiple gestation" is too broad and does not specifically identify the **'T' sign**. - Multiple gestation can be either monochorionic or dichorionic, and only monochorionic pregnancies are associated with the 'T' sign.

Q: USG of 28 weeks gestation showing oligohydramnios is likely to be due to?

Renal pathway obstruction. ***Renal pathway obstruction*** - **Oligohydramnios** (low amniotic fluid) in the late second or third trimester is often caused by conditions that impair fetal urine production or outflow. - **Renal pathway obstruction** (e.g., posterior urethral valves, bilateral renal agenesis) prevents the fetus from producing or excreting sufficient urine, a primary source of amniotic fluid. *Gastrointestinal obstruction* - **Gastrointestinal obstruction** is more commonly associated with **polyhydramnios** because it impairs the fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid. - Inability to swallow leads to an *accumulation* of amniotic fluid, not a reduction. *Anencephaly* - **Anencephaly** is typically associated with **polyhydramnios** due to impaired swallowing of amniotic fluid. - The exposed brain tissue can also lead to increased fluid transudation. *Neuromuscular disorder* - **Neuromuscular disorders** can cause **polyhydramnios** if they lead to impaired fetal swallowing due to muscle weakness. - If a neuromuscular disorder affects the renal system, it could potentially cause oligohydramnios, but it is not the primary cause of oligohydramnios itself.

Q: What is a potential risk for pregnant women who undertake long journeys with prolonged sitting?

Deep vein thrombosis. ***Deep vein thrombosis*** - **Pregnancy** is a **hypercoagulable state** due to increased levels of clotting factors (fibrinogen, factors VII, VIII, X) and decreased protein S activity. - **Prolonged sitting** during long journeys causes **venous stasis** in the lower extremities, which is a key component of **Virchow's triad** for thrombosis (stasis, hypercoagulability, endothelial injury). - **DVT** is the **direct and most specific pathological consequence** of prolonged immobilization during travel in pregnancy. - The risk of **VTE in pregnancy** is **4-5 times higher** than in non-pregnant women, with travel-related DVT being a recognized complication. *Venous thromboembolism* - VTE is an **umbrella term** that encompasses both **DVT and pulmonary embolism**. - While technically correct as a broader category, DVT is the **more specific and direct answer** to what prolonged sitting causes. - In medical education and clinical practice, identifying the **specific pathology** (DVT) is more appropriate than using the general category (VTE). *Pulmonary embolism* - PE is a **complication** of DVT, occurring when a thrombus dislodges and embolizes to the pulmonary circulation. - PE is a **secondary consequence**, not the **primary risk** from prolonged sitting itself. - The direct mechanism of prolonged sitting → venous stasis → **DVT formation** → potential embolization to lungs. *Leg swelling* - **Leg swelling** (edema) is a **symptom**, not a pathological diagnosis. - While leg edema can indicate DVT, it's also common in normal pregnancy due to increased venous pressure and fluid retention. - The question asks for a **risk** (pathological condition), not a symptom.

Q: What is meant by 'Battledore insertion of placenta'?

Umbilical cord attached to the margin of the placenta. ***Umbilical cord attached to the margin of the placenta*** - In a **Battledore insertion**, the **umbilical cord** inserts into the **edge** or **margin** of the placenta, rather than its center. - This unusual insertion resembles a **battledore**, a type of ancient racket or paddle with a handle at its edge (similar to those used in shuttlecock games). *Placenta attached to the margin of the membranes* - This description is more consistent with a **circumvallate placenta**, where the chorionic plate is smaller than the basal plate, leading to a rolled or folded margin of placental tissue covered by membranes, but it does not describe Battledore insertion. - In circumvallate placenta, the chorionic plate's edge rolls back and is surrounded by a ring of membranes, while Battledore refers specifically to the cord's insertion. *Placenta attached to the center of the uterus* - This simply indicates a **normal location** for the placenta within the uterine cavity and does not describe any abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord or specific characteristics of the placenta itself. - The placenta typically attaches to the uterine wall and can be central, fundal, or anterior/posterior, but this statement doesn't relate to the cord's insertion point. *Umbilical cord attached to the membranes* - This condition is known as **velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord**, where the cord blood vessels fan out within the amniotic membrane before reaching the placental tissue. - Velamentous insertion is a distinct anomaly from Battledore insertion and carries different risks, such as vasa previa and a higher risk of vessel compression or rupture.

Q: 6 year old son of pregnant woman is suffering from chicken pox. Which of the following is given to pregnant woman?

Only immunoglobulin. ***Only immunoglobulin*** - Giving **immunoglobulin** to a pregnant woman exposed to **chickenpox** provides immediate passive immunity, which is crucial as she is at risk of infection from her child. - This is particularly important because chickenpox during pregnancy can lead to severe maternal disease and congenital varicella syndrome in the fetus. *Acyclovir + immunoglobulin* - **Acyclovir** is an antiviral that treats active varicella infection but is not typically given prophylactically in combination with immunoglobulin for exposure unless the woman is already immunocompromised or develops symptoms. - The primary goal for exposed pregnant women is preventing infection through passive immunity, not immediately treating a potential infection. *Vaccination* - **Varicella vaccine** is a live attenuated vaccine and is **contraindicated** during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk of fetal infection. - It is used for pre-conception immunity or post-exposure prophylaxis in non-pregnant individuals if given within a short window, but not for pregnant women. *Acyclovir* - **Acyclovir** is an antiviral medicine used to treat active chickenpox infections, not to prevent infection immediately after exposure. - It would be considered if the pregnant woman develops symptoms of chickenpox, but not as a primary prophylactic measure in this scenario.

Q: In a severely anaemic pregnant patient presenting with cardiac failure, what is the most appropriate choice of transfusion?

Exchange transfusion. ***Exchange transfusion*** - In **severe anaemia with cardiac failure**, exchange transfusion simultaneously **removes** and **replaces** blood volume, correcting anaemia without **net volume increase** that could worsen cardiac failure. - This procedure is the **safest option** as it avoids **fluid overload** while effectively improving **oxygen-carrying capacity** in cardiac-compromised pregnant patients. *Platelets* - **Platelets** are indicated for **thrombocytopenia** or **platelet dysfunction** to prevent bleeding, not for correcting anaemia. - They provide no benefit for **oxygen transport** or the underlying cause of cardiac failure in this anaemic patient. *Packed cells* - **Packed red blood cells** still add **net volume** to circulation, which can precipitate **pulmonary edema** and worsen cardiac failure despite slower infusion. - Even with **diuretics**, the risk of **fluid overload** remains significant in patients with pre-existing cardiac compromise. *Whole blood* - **Whole blood** contains **plasma volume** that significantly increases circulatory load, making it particularly dangerous in cardiac failure. - The large **volume expansion** can rapidly lead to **congestive heart failure** and **pulmonary edema** in already compromised patients.

Q: Which of the following is associated with macrosomia?

Gestational diabetes mellitus. ***Gestational diabetes mellitus*** - **Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)** is a common cause of macrosomia because high maternal glucose levels lead to increased fetal insulin production, which promotes growth and fat deposition. - The **hyperglycemic environment** in GDM stimulates fetal overgrowth, resulting in larger-than-average babies. *Hypothyroidism* - **Maternal hypothyroidism** is typically associated with **fetal growth restriction** and lower birth weight, not macrosomia. - Undiagnosed or poorly controlled hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as **preterm labor** and **preeclampsia**, but not increased fetal size. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **gestational diabetes mellitus** is directly associated with macrosomia. - There is a clear and well-documented link between maternal hyperglycemia and increased fetal growth. *Maternal anemia* - **Maternal anemia**, especially severe anemia, is generally associated with an **increased risk of fetal growth restriction** and **low birth weight**. - Anemia limits oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, thereby hindering optimal growth.

Q: What is the most common site for ectopic pregnancies?

Ampulla. ***Ampulla*** - The **ampulla** of the fallopian tube is the most common site for ectopic pregnancies, accounting for about **70-80% of all cases**. - Its **wider lumen** and **tortuous path** can delay the ovum's transit, increasing the likelihood of implantation there. *Isthmus* - The **isthmus** is the second most common site for ectopic pregnancies, accounting for about **12% of cases**. - Pregnancies in this narrow, muscular part of the tube are more prone to **early rupture** due to limited distensibility. *Fimbriae* - **Fimbrial** ectopic pregnancies are rare, accounting for approximately **5% of cases**. - These occur when the fertilized egg implants on the **finger-like projections** at the end of the fallopian tube. *Interstitial/Cornual* - **Interstitial** or **cornual** pregnancies are uncommon but serious, making up about **2-4% of ectopic pregnancies**. - They occur in the portion of the fallopian tube that passes through the **muscular wall of the uterus** and carry a higher risk of hemorrhage due to rich vascularity.

Question 1

The 'T' sign is associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Monochorionic twin pregnancy

Answer

Dichorionic twin pregnancy

Answer

Normal singleton pregnancy

Answer

Multiple gestation

Question 2

USG of 28 weeks gestation showing oligohydramnios is likely to be due to?

Accepted Answer

Renal pathway obstruction

Answer

Neuromuscular disorder

Answer

Gastrointestinal obstruction

Answer

Anencephaly

Question 3

What is a potential risk for pregnant women who undertake long journeys with prolonged sitting?

Accepted Answer

Deep vein thrombosis

Answer

Venous thromboembolism

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Leg swelling

Question 4

What is meant by 'Battledore insertion of placenta'?

Accepted Answer

Umbilical cord attached to the margin of the placenta

Answer

Placenta attached to the margin of the membranes

Answer

Placenta attached to the center of the uterus

Answer

Umbilical cord attached to the membranes

Question 5

What is the management of eclampsia at 34 weeks of pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Administer antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, and consider termination of pregnancy.

Answer

Continue convulsions and wait for 37 weeks to complete.

Answer

Wait for spontaneous labor.

Answer

Continue blood pressure management.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Gently perform manual removal of placenta if necessary

Answer

Withhold ergometrine until after anterior shoulder delivery

Answer

Administer IV fluids

Answer

Apply fundal pressure during second stage of labor

Question 7

6 year old son of pregnant woman is suffering from chicken pox. Which of the following is given to pregnant woman?

Accepted Answer

Only immunoglobulin

Answer

Acyclovir + immunoglobulin

Answer

Vaccination

Answer

Acyclovir

Question 8

In a severely anaemic pregnant patient presenting with cardiac failure, what is the most appropriate choice of transfusion?

Accepted Answer

Exchange transfusion

Answer

Platelets

Answer

Packed cells

Answer

Whole blood

Question 9

Which of the following is associated with macrosomia?

Accepted Answer

Gestational diabetes mellitus

Answer

None of the options

Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Maternal anemia

Question 10

What is the most common site for ectopic pregnancies?

Accepted Answer

Ampulla

Answer

Isthmus

Answer

Fimbriae

Answer

Interstitial/Cornual

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

Maternal-Fetal Medicine — MCQs

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