Malpresentations (breech, face, brow) — MCQs

You have been entrusted with the task of finding the causes of low birth weight in infants born in the health jurisdiction for which you are responsible. In 2017, there were 1,500 live births and, upon further inspection of the birth certificates, 108 of these children had a low birth weight (i.e. lower than 2,500 g), while 237 had mothers who smoked continuously during pregnancy. Further calculations have shown that the risk of low birth weight in smokers was 14% and in non-smokers, it was 7%, while the relative risk of low birth weight linked to cigarette smoking during pregnancy was 2%. In other words, women who smoked during pregnancy were twice as likely as those who did not smoke to deliver a low-weight infant. Using this data, you are also asked to calculate how much of the excess risk for low birth weight, in percentage terms, can be attributed to smoking. What is the attributable risk percentage for smoking leading to low birth weight?

A 31-year-old G2P1001 presents to the labor floor for external cephalic version (ECV) due to breech presentation at 37 weeks gestation. Her pregnancy has been complicated by an episode of pyelonephritis at 14 weeks gestation, treated with intravenous ceftriaxone. The patient has not had urinary symptoms since that time. Otherwise, her prenatal care has been routine and she tested Rh-negative with negative antibodies at her first prenatal visit. She has a history of one prior spontaneous vaginal delivery without complications. She also has a medical history of anemia. Current medications include nitrofurantoin for urinary tract infection suppression and iron supplementation. The patient’s temperature is 98.5°F (36.9°C), pulse is 75/min, blood pressure is 122/76 mmHg, and respirations are 13/min. Physical exam is notable for a fundal height of 37 centimeters and mild pitting edema in both lower extremities. Cardiopulmonary exams are unremarkable. Bedside ultrasound confirms that the fetus is still in breech presentation. Which of the following should be performed in this patient as a result of her upcoming external cephalic version?

A 34-year-old pregnant woman with unknown medical history is admitted to the hospital at her 36th week of gestation with painful contractions. She received no proper prenatal care during the current pregnancy. On presentation, her vital signs are as follows: blood pressure is 110/60 mm Hg, heart rate is 102/min, respiratory rate is 23/min, and temperature is 37.0℃ (98.6℉). Fetal heart rate is 179/min. Pelvic examination shows a closed non-effaced cervix. During the examination, the patient experiences a strong contraction accompanied by a high-intensity pain after which contractions disappear. The fetal heart rate becomes 85/min and continues to decrease. The fetal head is now floating. Which of the following factors would most likely be present in the patient’s history?

A 6-hour-old newborn male is noted to have a “lump on his head” by his mother. She denies that the lump was present at birth and is concerned about an infection. The child was born at 39 weeks gestation to a 34-year-old gravida 2 by vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery after a prolonged labor. The child’s birth weight was 3.8 kg (8.4 lb), and his length and head circumference are at the 40th and 60th percentiles, respectively. The mother was diagnosed during this pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus and received prenatal care throughout. All prenatal screening was normal, and the 20-week anatomy ultrasound was unremarkable. On physical exam, the child is in no acute distress. He has a 3x3 cm fluctuant swelling over the right parietal bone that does not cross the midline. There is no discoloration of the overlying scalp. Laboratory testing is performed and reveals the following: Total bilirubin: 5.5 mg/dL Direct bilirubin: 0.7 mg/dL Which of the following is the best next step in management?

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 24-year-old primigravid woman at 38 weeks' gestation comes to the physician for a prenatal visit. At the last two prenatal visits, transabdominal ultrasound showed the fetus in breech presentation. She has no medical conditions and only takes prenatal vitamins. Her pulse is 95/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 130/76 mm Hg. The abdomen is soft and nontender; no contractions are felt. Pelvic examination shows a closed cervical os and a uterus consistent with 38 weeks' gestation. The fetal rate tracing shows a baseline heart rate of 152/min and 2 accelerations over 10 minutes. Repeat ultrasound today shows a persistent breech presentation. The patient states that she would like to attempt a vaginal delivery. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 28-year-old male presents to his primary care physician with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain and alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. His medical chart is not significant for any past medical problems or prior surgeries. He is not prescribed any current medications. Which of the following questions would be the most useful next question in eliciting further history from this patient?

A 35-year-old woman, gravida 4, para 3, at 34 weeks' gestation comes to the physician for a prenatal visit. She feels well. She does not note any contractions or fluid from her vagina. Her third child was delivered spontaneously at 35 weeks' gestation; pregnancy and delivery of her other two children were uncomplicated. Vital signs are normal. The abdomen is nontender and no contractions are felt. Pelvic examination shows a uterus consistent in size with a 34-weeks' gestation. Ultrasonography shows the fetus in a breech presentation. The fetal heart rate is 148/min. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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 26-year-old gravida 3 para 1 is admitted to labor and delivery with uterine contractions. She is at 37 weeks gestation with no primary care provider or prenatal care. She gives birth to a boy after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery with APGAR scores of 7 at 1 minute and 8 at 5 minutes. His weight is 2.2 kg (4.4 lb) and the length is 48 cm (1.6 ft). The infant has weak extremities and poor reflexes. The physical examination reveals microcephaly, palpebral fissures, thin lips, and a smooth philtrum. A systolic murmur is heard on auscultation. Identification of which of the following factors early in the pregnancy could prevent this condition?