Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage — MCQs
Active management of 3rd stage of labour involves all EXCEPT:
A 28-year-old postpartum woman presents with uterine atony and heavy bleeding. Which medication should be avoided due to a history of hypertension?
Which drug is contraindicated before delivery of the baby (during first and second stages of labor)?
A multigravida woman in labor room, after delivery and placenta removal, uncontrolled bleeding was seen. What is the most common cause of PPH in this woman?
A 28-year-old woman, G2 P1, with severe PPH unresponsive to oxytocin presents with hypotension and tachycardia. She has a soft uterus and ongoing bleeding. What is the next best step in management?
Which of the following statements is false regarding postpartum hemorrhage and pelvic hematomas?
Commonest cause of postpartum hemorrhage is
A multiparous woman delivered by a village dai (midwife) presents on the 22nd postnatal day with bleeding per vaginum with clots. On examination, the uterus is 14-16 weeks, the internal os is open, and there is bleeding through the os. The likely cause of this bleeding is
Most common cause of secondary PPH is :
What is the primary use of prophylactic methergin?
Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Active management of 3rd stage of labour involves all EXCEPT:
- A. IV oxytocin
- B. Delayed cord clamping
- C. Controlled cord traction
- D. Uterine massage (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Uterine massage*** - **Uterine massage** is performed *after* the delivery of the placenta to promote sustained uterine contraction and prevent **postpartum hemorrhage**. - While it's a crucial step in preventing excessive bleeding, it is not considered part of the *active management of the third stage of labor* as defined by WHO guidelines, which focuses on interventions *during* placental separation and expulsion. - Uterine massage is part of **routine postpartum care** rather than AMTSL itself. *IV oxytocin* - Administering **prophylactic uterotonic** (oxytocin 10 IU IM/IV) *immediately* after birth of the baby (within 1 minute) is a **core component** of active management. - Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to aid placental separation and significantly **reduces postpartum hemorrhage** risk. *Delayed cord clamping* - **Delayed cord clamping** (clamping the umbilical cord between 1-3 minutes after birth) is recommended by **current WHO guidelines** as part of active management. - This practice provides neonatal benefits (improved iron stores, better hemoglobin levels) while not increasing maternal hemorrhage risk. - This replaced the older practice of early cord clamping in modern AMTSL protocols. *Controlled cord traction* - **Controlled cord traction** with **counter-traction on the uterus** (Brandt-Andrews maneuver) is performed to facilitate placental delivery once signs of placental separation appear. - This maneuver **reduces the duration of third stage**, blood loss, and risk of retained placenta.
Question 2: A 28-year-old postpartum woman presents with uterine atony and heavy bleeding. Which medication should be avoided due to a history of hypertension?
- A. Carboprost
- B. Misoprostol
- C. Oxytocin
- D. Methylergonovine (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Methylergonovine*** - **Methylergonovine** is contraindicated in patients with **hypertension** due to its potent vasoconstrictive effect, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis, stroke, or myocardial infarction. - This medication should be avoided in a postpartum woman with a history of hypertension to prevent severe cardiovascular complications while treating uterine atony. *Carboprost* - **Carboprost** is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog that can cause **bronchoconstriction** and is contraindicated in patients with asthma. - While it can cause transient hypertension, it is generally considered safer than methylergonovine in patients with a history of hypertension. *Misoprostol* - **Misoprostol** is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that can be safely used in patients with hypertension. - Its primary side effects include **diarrhea**, shivering, and fever, rather than significant cardiovascular effects. *Oxytocin* - **Oxytocin** is the first-line uterotonic agent for preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage and is safe to use in patients with hypertension. - While large doses can cause **hypotension** and **tachycardia**, it does not typically exacerbate pre-existing hypertension.
Question 3: Which drug is contraindicated before delivery of the baby (during first and second stages of labor)?
- A. Mifepristone
- B. Oxytocin
- C. Misoprostol
- D. Ergometrine (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Ergometrine*** - **Ergometrine** is a potent uterotonic agent that causes **tetanic (sustained) uterine contractions**. - It is **absolutely contraindicated before delivery of the baby** (during first and second stages of labor) because: - Sustained contractions lead to **fetal hypoxia** and **fetal distress** by reducing placental blood flow - Risk of **uterine rupture** due to excessive uterine tone - **Obstructed labor** and **cervical lacerations** from forcing delivery against sustained contraction - Ergometrine is **only used after delivery of the baby** in the third stage for active management and prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. *Mifepristone* - **Mifepristone** is an antiprogesterone used for medical abortion in early pregnancy or cervical ripening before labor induction. - It is not relevant during active labor as it acts by blocking progesterone receptors, not by causing immediate uterine contractions. *Oxytocin* - **Oxytocin** is the drug of choice for induction and augmentation of labor. - It causes **rhythmic, intermittent contractions** that allow for adequate placental perfusion between contractions. - Safe to use during first and second stages when properly monitored. *Misoprostol* - **Misoprostol** is a prostaglandin E1 analog used for cervical ripening and labor induction. - Can be used before and during labor for induction, though requires careful monitoring. - Unlike ergometrine, it does not cause sustained tetanic contractions when used in appropriate doses.
Question 4: A multigravida woman in labor room, after delivery and placenta removal, uncontrolled bleeding was seen. What is the most common cause of PPH in this woman?
- A. Clotting factor deficiency
- B. Atony (Correct Answer)
- C. Traumatic PPH
- D. Retained tissues
Explanation: ***Atonic*** - **Uterine atony** is the most common cause of **postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)**, accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. The uterus fails to contract adequately after placental delivery, leading to continuous bleeding from the placental bed. - Risk factors for uterine atony include multiparity, prolonged labor, rapid labor, polyhydramnios, and multiple gestations, which can lead to overdistension and fatigue of the uterine muscle. *Clotting factor deficiency* - While **coagulopathies** (clotting factor deficiencies) can cause PPH, they are a less common primary cause than uterine atony. - This cause would be suspected if there is a history of bleeding disorders, liver disease, or if PPH persists despite a well-contracted uterus. *Traumatic PPH* - **Traumatic PPH** results from lacerations of the cervix, vagina, or perineum, or from uterine rupture. These are less common than uterine atony. - This cause is typically suspected when the uterus feels firm but bleeding continues, or when visible trauma is present. *Retained tissues* - **Retained placental tissue** can prevent the uterus from contracting effectively, leading to PPH. However, it is less common than atony. - This cause is usually identified by the presence of placental fragments or membranes in the uterine cavity upon examination.
Question 5: A 28-year-old woman, G2 P1, with severe PPH unresponsive to oxytocin presents with hypotension and tachycardia. She has a soft uterus and ongoing bleeding. What is the next best step in management?
- A. IM carboprost (Correct Answer)
- B. Immediate hysterectomy
- C. Expectant management
- D. IV tranexamic acid
Explanation: ***IM carboprost*** - The **soft uterus** with ongoing bleeding despite oxytocin indicates **uterine atony** as the cause of PPH - Carboprost (PGF2α) is the **standard second-line uterotonic agent** after oxytocin failure - Effectively stimulates strong **uterine contractions** to control hemorrhage from the placental bed - Given intramuscularly at **0.25 mg every 15-90 minutes** (maximum 8 doses) - Contraindicated in active cardiac, pulmonary, or hepatic disease *Immediate hysterectomy* - Peripartum hysterectomy is a **last-resort surgical intervention** for refractory PPH - Should only be performed after failure of medical management (all uterotonics) and conservative surgical options (uterine tamponade, uterine artery ligation, B-Lynch suture) - **Too aggressive** as the immediate next step when second-line uterotonics haven't been tried *Expectant management* - **Completely inappropriate** for severe PPH with hemodynamic instability (hypotension, tachycardia) - Ongoing bleeding from uterine atony requires **immediate aggressive intervention** - Delays increase risk of hypovolemic shock, DIC, maternal morbidity, and mortality *IV tranexamic acid* - **Antifibrinolytic agent** that inhibits plasminogen activation, promoting clot stability - WHO recommends administration **within 3 hours** of PPH onset as an adjunct therapy - While useful in PPH management, it does **not address uterine atony** (the primary cause indicated by soft uterus) - Should be given **in addition to uterotonics**, not as a substitute for definitive management of atony
Question 6: Which of the following statements is false regarding postpartum hemorrhage and pelvic hematomas?
- A. The vulva is the most common site for pelvic hematoma. (Correct Answer)
- B. Hematomas less than 5 cm can often be managed conservatively.
- C. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
- D. The most common artery to form a vulvar hematoma is the pudendal artery.
Explanation: ***The vulva is the most common site for pelvic hematoma.*** - While vulvar hematomas are common, the **vagina is actually the most common site** for puerperal hematomas. - **Retroperitoneal hematomas** are the least common but most dangerous type, often associated with a higher mortality rate due to delayed diagnosis. *Hematomas less than 5 cm can often be managed conservatively.* - **Small, stable hematomas** (typically less than 2-5 cm) that are not expanding can often be managed with observation, pain control, and ice packs. - Close monitoring for continued bleeding, signs of infection, or hemodynamic instability is crucial even with conservative management. *Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.* - **Uterine atony** (failure of the uterus to contract after birth) accounts for approximately 70-80% of all cases of postpartum hemorrhage. - This condition leads to excessive bleeding from the placental site due to the inability of uterine muscle fibers to compress blood vessels effectively. *The most common artery to form a vulvar hematoma is the pudendal artery.* - Vulvar hematomas primarily arise from injury to branches of the **pudendal artery**, particularly during lacerations or episiotomies. - Trauma to the **perineum** during childbirth can cause these arteries or their venous counterparts to bleed into the surrounding loose connective tissue.
Question 7: Commonest cause of postpartum hemorrhage is
- A. Uterine atony (Correct Answer)
- B. Trauma
- C. Retained tissues
- D. Coagulopathy
Explanation: ***Uterine atony*** - **Uterine atony** is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, accounting for about 70-80% of cases. - It occurs when the **uterus fails to contract adequately** after birth, leading to persistent bleeding from the placental site. *Trauma* - **Traumatic causes** of postpartum hemorrhage, such as lacerations of the cervix, vagina, or perineum, are less common than uterine atony. - While they can cause significant bleeding, they typically account for a smaller percentage of all PPH cases. *Retained tissues* - **Retained placental tissue** or clots can prevent the uterus from contracting effectively, leading to postpartum hemorrhage. - However, this cause is less frequent than uterine atony itself. *Coagulopathy* - **Coagulopathies**, whether pre-existing or acquired during pregnancy/delivery (e.g., DIC), are rare causes of postpartum hemorrhage. - These conditions are serious but account for a very small proportion of PPH cases compared to uterine atony.
Question 8: A multiparous woman delivered by a village dai (midwife) presents on the 22nd postnatal day with bleeding per vaginum with clots. On examination, the uterus is 14-16 weeks, the internal os is open, and there is bleeding through the os. The likely cause of this bleeding is
- A. Perineal tears
- B. Retained bits of placenta and membranes (Correct Answer)
- C. Excessive postnatal physical work
- D. Uterine atony
Explanation: ***Retained bits of placenta and membranes*** - Postnatal bleeding with clots on day 22, an enlarged uterus (14-16 weeks size), and an open internal os are **classic features of retained products of conception**. - Retained placental fragments prevent proper **uterine involution** and interfere with myometrial contraction, leading to **secondary postpartum hemorrhage** (PPH occurring after 24 hours up to 12 weeks postpartum). - The open internal os with bleeding through it strongly suggests intrauterine retained tissue. *Perineal tears* - Perineal tears cause **immediate postpartum bleeding**, typically bright red and continuous, identified and repaired at the time of delivery. - They would **not explain** an enlarged uterus, subinvolution, or delayed bleeding with clots on **day 22 postpartum**. *Excessive postnatal physical work* - While physical overexertion may delay recovery or cause fatigue, it does **not directly cause vaginal bleeding with clots** and an enlarged uterus. - This clinical presentation requires an **obstetric pathology** such as retained products. *Uterine atony* - Uterine atony is the most common cause of **primary PPH** (within 24 hours of delivery), presenting with a soft, boggy uterus and profuse bleeding. - However, on day 22 with an **open os and retained tissue**, the primary issue is retained products rather than atony alone.
Question 9: Most common cause of secondary PPH is :
- A. Retained placenta (Correct Answer)
- B. Cervical tear
- C. Uterine atony
- D. Vaginal laceration
Explanation: ***Retained placenta*** - Retained placental tissue prevents the uterus from contracting effectively, leading to continued bleeding after delivery. - While it's a common cause of primary PPH as well, it often presents as a secondary PPH when small fragments remain and later detach or become infected. *Uterine atony* - This is the **most common cause of primary PPH**, occurring within 24 hours of delivery due to the uterus failing to contract. - It is less likely to be the primary cause of secondary PPH unless there's a delayed presentation. *Vaginal laceration* - Lacerations of the vagina usually present as **primary PPH**, with bright red blood despite a well-contracted uterus. - While bleeding can persist, it's not the most common cause of delayed, secondary PPH. *Cervical tear* - Cervical tears also typically cause **primary PPH**, characterized by continuous bleeding immediately after delivery. - Similar to vaginal lacerations, while continuous bleeding can occur, it's not the most common etiology for secondary PPH.
Question 10: What is the primary use of prophylactic methergin?
- A. None of the options
- B. Induction of labour
- C. Induction of abortion
- D. To stop excess bleeding from uterus (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***To stop excess bleeding from uterus*** - **Methergin (Methylergonovine)** is an **ergot alkaloid** that causes strong contractions of the **uterus**. - Its primary prophylactic use is to **prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage** by contracting the uterus and compressing blood vessels. *Induction of labour* - **Methergin** is generally **contraindicated for labor induction** as its potent, sustained contractions can cause **hypertonic uterine dysfunction** and fetal distress. - **Oxytocin** is the preferred agent for **labor induction** due to its more physiological contraction pattern. *Induction of abortion* - While methergin can cause uterine contractions, it is **not the primary agent for abortion induction**. - **Prostaglandins (e.g., misoprostol)** and other pharmacological agents are typically used in combination for **medical abortion**. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **stopping excess uterine bleeding** is indeed a primary use of prophylactic methergin, particularly in the postpartum period. - The other options describe situations where methergin is either not indicated or is a secondary/contraindicated choice.
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