A 37-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, at 35 weeks' gestation is brought to the emergency department for the evaluation of continuous, dark, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain for one hour. Her first child was delivered by lower segment transverse cesarean section because of a nonreassuring fetal heart rate. The patient has a history of hypertension and has been noncompliant with her hypertensive regimen. Her medications include methyldopa, folic acid, and a multivitamin. Her pulse is 90/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 145/90 mm Hg. The abdomen is tender, and hypertonic contractions can be felt. There is blood on the vulva, the introitus, and on the medial aspect of both thighs. The fetus is in a breech presentation. The fetal heart rate is 180/min with recurrent decelerations. Which of the following is the cause of fetal compromise?
Q32
A 24-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, at 39 weeks' gestation, is admitted to the hospital in active labor. She currently has contractions occurring every 3–5 minutes. For the past 3 days, she has had burning pain in the vulvar area associated with intense itching. Her pregnancy has been uneventful. She has a history of genital herpes at the age of 16, which was treated with acyclovir. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Genital examination shows grouped vesicles on an erythematous base over the vulvar region. Pelvic examination shows rupture of membranes and that the cervix is 3 cm dilated. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
Q33
A 27-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician for evaluation of fertility. She has been unable to conceive for one year despite regular intercourse with her husband 1–2 times per week. Recent analysis of her husband's semen showed a normal sperm count. Two years ago, she had an episode of a febrile illness with lower abdominal pain, which resolved without treatment. Menarche was at age 12 and menses occur at regular 28-day intervals and last 4 to 5 days. Before her marriage, she was sexually active with 4 male partners and used a combined oral contraceptive pill with estrogen and progesterone consistently, as well as barrier protection inconsistently. One year ago, she stopped using the oral contraceptive pill in order to be able to conceive. She is 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall and weighs 84 kg (185 lb); BMI is 30.8 kg/m2. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's infertility?
Q34
Four hours after undergoing an abdominal hysterectomy, a 43-year-old woman is evaluated in the post-anesthesia care unit because she has only had a urine output of 5 mL of blue-tinged urine since surgery. The operation went smoothly and ureter patency was checked via retrograde injection of methylene blue dye mixed with saline through the Foley catheter. She received 2.4 L of crystalloid fluids intraoperatively and urine output was 1.2 L. She had a history of fibroids with painful and heavy menses. She is otherwise healthy. She underwent 2 cesarean sections 8 and 5 years ago, respectively. Her temperature is 37.4°C (99.3°F), pulse is 75/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 122/76 mm Hg. She appears comfortable. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. There is a midline surgical incision with clean and dry dressings. Her abdomen is soft and mildly distended in the lower quadrants. Her bladder is slightly palpable. Extremities are warm and well perfused, and capillary refill is brisk. Laboratory studies show:
Leukocyte count 8,300/mm3
Hemoglobin 10.3 g/dL
Hematocrit 31%
Platelet count 250,000/mm3
Serum
_Na+ 140 mEq/L
_K+ 4.2 mEq/L
_HCO3+ 26 mEq/L
_Urea nitrogen 26 mg/dL
_Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL
Urine
_Blood 1+
_WBC none
_Protein negative
_RBC none
_RBC casts none
A bladder scan shows 250 mL of retained urine. Which of the following is the next best step in the evaluation of this patient?
Q35
A 17-year-old female presents to your office expressing concern that despite experiencing monthly pelvic pain for the past few years, she has not yet started her menstrual cycle. She is not taking oral contraceptive therapy and has never been sexually active. On physical exam the patient is of normal stature with appropriate breast development and growth of pubic and underarm hair. The patient declined a vaginal exam. Karyotype analysis reveals she has 46 XX. Pregnancy test is negative, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are normal. The uterus is normal on ultrasound. What is the likely cause of this patient's primary amenorrhea?
Q36
A 22-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, at 41 weeks' gestation is admitted to the hospital in active labor. Pregnancy has been uncomplicated. At the beginning of the second stage of labor, the cervix is 100% effaced and 10 cm dilated; the vertex is at -1 station. The fetal heart rate is reactive with no decelerations. As she pushes, it is noted that the fetal heart rate decreases, as seen on cardiotocography (CTG). Which of the following is the most likely cause of this finding?
Q37
A 29-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician for evaluation of infertility. She has been unable to conceive for 14 months. One year ago, she stopped taking the oral contraceptive pill, which she had been taking since she was 17. Her husband's semen analysis was normal. Four years ago, she had an episode of a pelvic tenderness and vaginal discharge that resolved without treatment. Menses occur at regular 28-day intervals. Before her marriage, she was sexually active with 5 male partners and used condoms inconsistently. She is 169 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 86 kg (190 lb); BMI is 31.6 kg/m2. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's infertility?
Q38
A 29-year-old G2P1 at 35 weeks gestation presents to the obstetric emergency room with vaginal bleeding and severe lower back pain. She reports the acute onset of these symptoms 1 hour ago while she was outside playing with her 4-year-old son. Her prior birthing history is notable for an emergency cesarean section during her first pregnancy. She received appropriate prenatal care during both pregnancies. She has a history of myomectomy for uterine fibroids. Her past medical history is notable for diabetes mellitus. She takes metformin. Her temperature is 99.0°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 104/68 mmHg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 20/min. On physical examination, the patient is in moderate distress. Large blood clots are removed from the vaginal vault. Contractions are occurring every 2 minutes. Delayed decelerations are noted on fetal heart monitoring. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?
Q39
A 37-year-old G2P1 woman presents to the clinic complaining of amenorrhea. She reports that she has not had a period for 2 months. A urine pregnancy test that she performed yesterday was negative. She is sexually active with her husband and uses regular contraception. Her past medical history is significant for diabetes and a dilation and curettage procedure 4 months ago for an unviable pregnancy. She denies any discharge, abnormal odor, abnormal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, or pain but endorses a 10-pound intentional weight loss over the past 3 months. A pelvic examination is unremarkable. What is the most likely explanation for this patient’s presentation?
Q40
A 32-year-old woman visits her family physician for a routine health check-up. During the consult, she complains about recent-onset constipation, painful defecation, and occasional pain with micturition for the past few months. Her menstrual cycles have always been regular with moderate pelvic pain during menses, which is relieved with pain medication. However, in the last 6 months, she has noticed that her menses are “heavier” with severe lower abdominal cramps that linger for 4–5 days after the last day of menstruation. She and her husband are trying to conceive a second child, but lately, she has been unable to have sexual intercourse due to pain during sexual intercourse. During the physical examination, she has tenderness in the lower abdomen with no palpable mass. Pelvic examination reveals a left-deviated tender cervix, a tender retroverted uterus, and a left adnexal mass. During the rectovaginal examination, nodules are noted. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
Labor Complications US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 31: A 37-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, at 35 weeks' gestation is brought to the emergency department for the evaluation of continuous, dark, vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain for one hour. Her first child was delivered by lower segment transverse cesarean section because of a nonreassuring fetal heart rate. The patient has a history of hypertension and has been noncompliant with her hypertensive regimen. Her medications include methyldopa, folic acid, and a multivitamin. Her pulse is 90/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 145/90 mm Hg. The abdomen is tender, and hypertonic contractions can be felt. There is blood on the vulva, the introitus, and on the medial aspect of both thighs. The fetus is in a breech presentation. The fetal heart rate is 180/min with recurrent decelerations. Which of the following is the cause of fetal compromise?
A. Rupture of the uterus
B. Placental tissue covering the cervical os
C. Rupture of aberrant fetal vessels
D. Abnormal position of the fetus
E. Detachment of the placenta (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Detachment of the placenta***
- The presentation of **continuous, dark vaginal bleeding**, **abdominal pain**, and **hypertonic contractions** in a pregnant woman with hypertension strongly indicates **placental abruption**.
- **Fetal compromise**, evidenced by a fetal heart rate of 180/min with recurrent decelerations, results from the compromised oxygen and nutrient exchange due to placental detachment.
*Rupture of the uterus*
- Uterine rupture typically presents with **sudden sharp abdominal pain**, **vaginal bleeding**, and often **cessation of uterine contractions**, which is contradicted by hypertonic contractions.
- A previous C-section scar is a risk factor, but the clinical picture with continuous dark bleeding and hypertonic contractions points more strongly to abruption.
*Placental tissue covering the cervical os*
- This describes **placenta previa**, which typically causes **painless, bright red vaginal bleeding** and usually does not present with abdominal pain or hypertonic contractions.
- The characteristics of pain and dark bleeding make placenta previa less likely.
*Rupture of aberrant fetal vessels*
- This condition, known as **vasa previa**, involves the rupture of fetal blood vessels, leading to **fetal blood loss** and rapid fetal compromise.
- However, the presenting symptoms usually include **sudden onset of bleeding with concurrent fetal bradycardia** or distress, and the vaginal bleeding is typically bright red fetal blood, not dark maternal blood as described.
*Abnormal position of the fetus*
- An abnormal fetal position, such as **breech presentation**, can complicate delivery but does not directly cause dark vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or hypertonic uterine contractions.
- While the fetus is breech, this finding does not explain the acute maternal symptoms or the signs of placental compromise.
Question 32: A 24-year-old woman, gravida 1, para 0, at 39 weeks' gestation, is admitted to the hospital in active labor. She currently has contractions occurring every 3–5 minutes. For the past 3 days, she has had burning pain in the vulvar area associated with intense itching. Her pregnancy has been uneventful. She has a history of genital herpes at the age of 16, which was treated with acyclovir. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Genital examination shows grouped vesicles on an erythematous base over the vulvar region. Pelvic examination shows rupture of membranes and that the cervix is 3 cm dilated. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
A. Tocolytic therapy until lesions are crusted
B. Oral acyclovir therapy and vaginal delivery
C. Topical acyclovir and vaginal delivery
D. Oral acyclovir therapy and cesarean delivery (Correct Answer)
E. Topical acyclovir and cesarean delivery
Explanation: ***Oral acyclovir therapy and cesarean delivery***
- The presence of **active genital herpes lesions** at the time of labor poses a high risk of **neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection** during vaginal delivery, which can be severe or fatal for the neonate.
- **Acyclovir therapy** aims to reduce viral shedding and transmission, but given the active lesions and rupture of membranes, a **cesarean delivery** is indicated to prevent vertical transmission to the newborn.
*Tocolytic therapy until lesions are crusted*
- **Tocolytic therapy** is used to inhibit uterine contractions and delay labor, but it is not indicated for managing active herpes lesions in a term pregnancy as it would only delay an inevitable delivery.
- Waiting for lesions to crust would prolong labor unnecessarily and still carry a risk of transmission, especially with ruptured membranes.
*Oral acyclovir therapy and vaginal delivery*
- While **oral acyclovir** can help suppress viral shedding, a **vaginal delivery** is contraindicated when active genital herpes lesions are present at the onset of labor due to the significant risk of **neonatal HSV infection**.
- Ruptured membranes further increase the risk of ascending infection and direct contact during passage through the birth canal.
*Topical acyclovir and vaginal delivery*
- **Topical acyclovir** is generally less effective than oral antivirals in suppressing systemic viral replication and does not adequately prevent viral shedding from active lesions during labor.
- A **vaginal delivery** would still expose the neonate to the virus, making this an inappropriate choice given the high risk of neonatal herpes.
*Topical acyclovir and cesarean delivery*
- While a **cesarean delivery** is the correct mode of delivery in this scenario, **topical acyclovir** is not the optimal antiviral treatment for active genital herpes during labor.
- **Oral acyclovir** provides better systemic viral suppression and is the preferred antiviral agent in such cases, though the urgency of active lesions still necessitates a cesarean.
Question 33: A 27-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician for evaluation of fertility. She has been unable to conceive for one year despite regular intercourse with her husband 1–2 times per week. Recent analysis of her husband's semen showed a normal sperm count. Two years ago, she had an episode of a febrile illness with lower abdominal pain, which resolved without treatment. Menarche was at age 12 and menses occur at regular 28-day intervals and last 4 to 5 days. Before her marriage, she was sexually active with 4 male partners and used a combined oral contraceptive pill with estrogen and progesterone consistently, as well as barrier protection inconsistently. One year ago, she stopped using the oral contraceptive pill in order to be able to conceive. She is 165 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall and weighs 84 kg (185 lb); BMI is 30.8 kg/m2. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's infertility?
A. Primary ovarian insufficiency
B. Tubal scarring (Correct Answer)
C. Long-term use of the oral contraceptive pill
D. Cervical insufficiency
E. Polycystic ovary syndrome
Explanation: ***Fetal Tubal scarring***
- The patient had a previous episode of **febrile illness** with **lower abdominal pain**, which is highly suggestive of **pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)**, a common cause of tubal scarring and infertility.
- **Inconsistent barrier protection** during previous sexual activity increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) leading to PID and subsequent tubal damage.
*Primary ovarian insufficiency*
- This condition is characterized by **premature depletion of ovarian follicles**, leading to irregular or absent menses and symptoms of estrogen deficiency.
- The patient's regular 28-day menstrual cycles and onset of menarche at age 12 do not support a diagnosis of primary ovarian insufficiency.
*Long-term use of the oral contraceptive pill*
- **Oral contraceptive pills** (OCPs) prevent ovulation only while being used; fertility typically returns shortly after discontinuation.
- There is no evidence that long-term OCP use causes permanent infertility or delays conception after cessation.
*Cervical insufficiency*
- **Cervical insufficiency** is a cause of **second-trimester miscarriage** or preterm birth, not infertility.
- This condition is typically diagnosed after a patient has experienced pregnancy losses, usually in the second trimester, and would not manifest as difficulty conceiving.
*Polycystic ovary syndrome*
- **Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)** is characterized by **anovulation** (leading to irregular menses), hyperandrogenism (hirsutism, acne), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
- The patient has regular menstrual cycles, which makes PCOS an unlikely cause of her infertility.
Question 34: Four hours after undergoing an abdominal hysterectomy, a 43-year-old woman is evaluated in the post-anesthesia care unit because she has only had a urine output of 5 mL of blue-tinged urine since surgery. The operation went smoothly and ureter patency was checked via retrograde injection of methylene blue dye mixed with saline through the Foley catheter. She received 2.4 L of crystalloid fluids intraoperatively and urine output was 1.2 L. She had a history of fibroids with painful and heavy menses. She is otherwise healthy. She underwent 2 cesarean sections 8 and 5 years ago, respectively. Her temperature is 37.4°C (99.3°F), pulse is 75/min, respirations are 16/min, and blood pressure is 122/76 mm Hg. She appears comfortable. Cardiopulmonary examination shows no abnormalities. There is a midline surgical incision with clean and dry dressings. Her abdomen is soft and mildly distended in the lower quadrants. Her bladder is slightly palpable. Extremities are warm and well perfused, and capillary refill is brisk. Laboratory studies show:
Leukocyte count 8,300/mm3
Hemoglobin 10.3 g/dL
Hematocrit 31%
Platelet count 250,000/mm3
Serum
_Na+ 140 mEq/L
_K+ 4.2 mEq/L
_HCO3+ 26 mEq/L
_Urea nitrogen 26 mg/dL
_Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL
Urine
_Blood 1+
_WBC none
_Protein negative
_RBC none
_RBC casts none
A bladder scan shows 250 mL of retained urine. Which of the following is the next best step in the evaluation of this patient?
A. Check the Foley catheter (Correct Answer)
B. Return to the operating room for emergency surgery
C. Perform ultrasound of the kidneys
D. Administer 20 mg of IV furosemide
E. Administer bolus 500 mL of Lactated Ringers
Explanation: ***Check the Foley catheter***
- This patient presents with signs of **urinary retention** (low urine output, palpable bladder, retained urine on bladder scan) despite methylene blue injection confirming ureter patency. The most common and easily reversible cause of low urine output post-hysterectomy is a **kinked or obstructed Foley catheter**.
- Given the smooth intraoperative course and adequate urine output during surgery, a quick check and potential **repositioning or flushing of the catheter** is the immediate and most appropriate first step before considering more invasive interventions.
*Return to the operating room for emergency surgery*
- This is a drastic step and is not indicated at this stage. There is no evidence of a **surgical complication** requiring emergency intervention, such as a ureteral injury (which was checked intraoperatively) or active hemorrhage.
- The patient's vital signs are stable, and she appears comfortable, which makes an emergency surgical re-exploration highly unlikely as the initial best step.
*Perform ultrasound of the kidneys*
- While a renal ultrasound can assess for **hydronephrosis** or other kidney abnormalities, it is a delayed step. Given the clear evidence of bladder retention and the possibility of a simple catheter malfunction, performing an ultrasound without first addressing the catheter would be premature.
- The patient's **creatinine is normal**, making acute kidney injury due to obstruction less likely as an immediate concern.
*Administer 20 mg of IV furosemide*
- Furosemide is a **loop diuretic** that increases urine production. However, it would be ineffective and potentially harmful if the issue is a mechanical obstruction of urine outflow, as appears to be the case here.
- Administering a diuretic without addressing the outflow problem would only worsen bladder distension and potentially stress the renal system without resolving the underlying issue.
*Administer bolus 500 mL of Lactated Ringers*
- This patient has already received 2.4 L of crystalloid fluids intraoperatively and has stable vital signs, indicating she is likely **euvolemic**.
- Giving another fluid bolus would not address the observed urinary retention and could lead to **fluid overload** if the urine outflow obstruction persists.
Question 35: A 17-year-old female presents to your office expressing concern that despite experiencing monthly pelvic pain for the past few years, she has not yet started her menstrual cycle. She is not taking oral contraceptive therapy and has never been sexually active. On physical exam the patient is of normal stature with appropriate breast development and growth of pubic and underarm hair. The patient declined a vaginal exam. Karyotype analysis reveals she has 46 XX. Pregnancy test is negative, thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are normal. The uterus is normal on ultrasound. What is the likely cause of this patient's primary amenorrhea?
A. Pituitary infarct
B. Premature ovarian failure
C. Failed canalization of external vaginal membrane (Correct Answer)
D. Failure in development of Mullerian duct
E. Androgen insensitivity
Explanation: ***Failed canalization of external vaginal membrane***
- The patient presents with **primary amenorrhea** despite normal **secondary sexual characteristics** and **pelvic pain**, indicating cyclical endometrial shedding with no external egress for menstrual blood.
- Normal uterus on ultrasound, 46 XX karyotype, and normal hormone levels rule out most other causes, leaving an **outflow tract obstruction** as the most probable diagnosis, such as an **imperforate hymen** or **transverse vaginal septum**.
*Pituitary infarct*
- A pituitary infarct would likely lead to **hypopituitarism**, resulting in **absent or delayed secondary sexual characteristics** due to low gonadotropin levels (LH and FSH), which are normal in this patient.
- This condition is also typically associated with severe headaches and visual disturbances, which are not mentioned.
*Premature ovarian failure*
- **Premature ovarian failure** would cause **elevated LH and FSH levels** due to the lack of negative feedback from estrogen, as the ovaries are not producing hormones.
- The patient has normal hormone levels, indicating functional ovaries.
*Failure in development of Mullerian duct*
- **Müllerian agenesis** (e.g., Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome) would result in a **hypoplastic or absent uterus and/or vagina**, which contradicts the ultrasound finding of a normal uterus.
- While it causes primary amenorrhea with normal secondary sexual characteristics, the presence of a normal uterus rules it out.
*Androgen insensitivity*
- **Androgen insensitivity syndrome** (AIS) typically presents with an **XY karyotype** and **absent or rudimentary uterus** despite normal breast development (due to peripheral conversion of testosterone to estrogen).
- This patient has a 46 XX karyotype and a normal uterus, ruling out AIS.
Question 36: A 22-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, at 41 weeks' gestation is admitted to the hospital in active labor. Pregnancy has been uncomplicated. At the beginning of the second stage of labor, the cervix is 100% effaced and 10 cm dilated; the vertex is at -1 station. The fetal heart rate is reactive with no decelerations. As she pushes, it is noted that the fetal heart rate decreases, as seen on cardiotocography (CTG). Which of the following is the most likely cause of this finding?
A. Fetal myocardial depression
B. Maternal hypotension
C. Placental insufficiency
D. Umbilical cord compression
E. Fetal head compression (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Fetal head compression***
- During the second stage of labor, **fetal head compression** commonly occurs with uterine contractions and maternal pushing efforts.
- This compression leads to a reflex vagal response, causing a **decrease in fetal heart rate (early decelerations)**, which is typically benign and resolves after the contraction.
*Fetal myocardial depression*
- **Fetal myocardial depression** can cause a decrease in fetal heart rate, but it is typically associated with **prolonged hypoxia or acidosis** and would likely manifest as late or prolonged decelerations or bradycardia, not just during pushing.
- There are no indications in the scenario of fetal distress or metabolic compromise that would point to myocardial depression.
*Maternal hypotension*
- **Maternal hypotension** would lead to **decreased placental perfusion**, resulting in **late decelerations** due to uteroplacental insufficiency.
- The scenario describes a reactive fetal heart rate with decelerations specifically during pushing, not a pattern consistent with sustained maternal hypotension impacting placental blood flow.
*Placental insufficiency*
- **Placental insufficiency** typically manifests as **late decelerations**, which are gradual decreases in fetal heart rate that begin after the peak of the contraction and return to baseline after the contraction ends.
- The fetal heart rate in the scenario is described as reactive with no decelerations prior to pushing, making placental insufficiency less likely as the primary cause of an acute deceleration during pushing.
*Umbilical cord compression*
- **Umbilical cord compression** causes **variable decelerations**, which are abrupt, often dramatic drops in fetal heart rate.
- While cord compression can occur during labor, the described pattern of deceleration specifically with pushing and the absence of other signs of cord impingement makes head compression a more direct and common cause in this context.
Question 37: A 29-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician for evaluation of infertility. She has been unable to conceive for 14 months. One year ago, she stopped taking the oral contraceptive pill, which she had been taking since she was 17. Her husband's semen analysis was normal. Four years ago, she had an episode of a pelvic tenderness and vaginal discharge that resolved without treatment. Menses occur at regular 28-day intervals. Before her marriage, she was sexually active with 5 male partners and used condoms inconsistently. She is 169 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall and weighs 86 kg (190 lb); BMI is 31.6 kg/m2. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's infertility?
A. Loss of ciliary action (Correct Answer)
B. Primary ovarian insufficiency
C. Adverse effect of oral contraceptive pill
D. Insulin resistance
E. Ectopic endometrial tissue
Explanation: ***Loss of ciliary action***
- The patient's history of **pelvic tenderness** and **vaginal discharge** that resolved without treatment suggests a prior **pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)**, likely due to a sexually transmitted infection given her sexual history.
- PID can lead to **salpingitis**, causing damage to the **fallopian tube cilia** which are crucial for ovum transport, resulting in **tubal factor infertility**.
*Primary ovarian insufficiency*
- This condition involves the **premature depletion of ovarian follicles** and would typically present with **oligomenorrhea** or **amenorrhea**, not regular 28-day cycles.
- The patient's regular menstrual cycles make primary ovarian insufficiency an unlikely cause of her infertility.
*Adverse effect of oral contraceptive pill*
- Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) do not cause long-term infertility; most women **regain fertility within months** of cessation.
- Her regular menstrual cycles after stopping OCPs indicate normal ovulatory function, ruling out OCP-induced amenorrhea or anovulation.
*Insulin resistance*
- While the patient is obese (BMI 31.6), obesity and insulin resistance are typically associated with **polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)**, which often presents with **irregular menses** and **anovulation**.
- Her regular 28-day cycles make PCOS and consequential anovulation due to insulin resistance less likely.
*Ectopic endometrial tissue*
- **Endometriosis** can cause infertility, but it often presents with **dysmenorrhea**, **dyspareunia**, and **chronic pelvic pain**, which are not reported in this patient's history.
- While it can cause tubal dysfunction, there's a more direct and probable cause (PID) suggested by her history of pelvic infection.
Question 38: A 29-year-old G2P1 at 35 weeks gestation presents to the obstetric emergency room with vaginal bleeding and severe lower back pain. She reports the acute onset of these symptoms 1 hour ago while she was outside playing with her 4-year-old son. Her prior birthing history is notable for an emergency cesarean section during her first pregnancy. She received appropriate prenatal care during both pregnancies. She has a history of myomectomy for uterine fibroids. Her past medical history is notable for diabetes mellitus. She takes metformin. Her temperature is 99.0°F (37.2°C), blood pressure is 104/68 mmHg, pulse is 120/min, and respirations are 20/min. On physical examination, the patient is in moderate distress. Large blood clots are removed from the vaginal vault. Contractions are occurring every 2 minutes. Delayed decelerations are noted on fetal heart monitoring. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's symptoms?
A. Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta (Correct Answer)
B. Amniotic sac rupture prior to the start of uterine contractions
C. Placental implantation over internal cervical os
D. Chorionic villi attaching to the myometrium
E. Chorionic villi attaching to the decidua basalis
Explanation: ***Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta***
- The acute onset of **vaginal bleeding**, **severe lower back pain**, frequent uterine contractions, and **fetal decelerations** in a patient with risk factors like a prior cesarean section and diabetes mellitus are highly suggestive of **abruptio placentae**.
- **Uterine tenderness** and a **firm, rigid uterus** (though not explicitly stated, implied by contractions and pain) are also characteristic findings.
*Amniotic sac rupture prior to the start of uterine contractions*
- This condition presents with a gush of fluid from the vagina, often without significant bleeding or severe pain unless associated with other complications.
- While it can lead to preterm labor, it doesn't directly cause the severe back pain, heavy bleeding with clots, and fetal distress seen here.
*Placental implantation over internal cervical os*
- This describes **placenta previa**, which typically presents with **painless vaginal bleeding**, often bright red, without severe abdominal or back pain.
- The presence of severe abdominal pain and uterine contractions makes placenta previa less likely.
*Chorionic villi attaching to the myometrium*
- This describes **placenta accreta**, a condition where the placenta abnormally adheres to the myometrium. It is typically diagnosed postnatally with **difficulty in placental separation** and severe hemorrhage.
- While a prior C-section is a risk factor, the acute presentation of pain and bleeding in the antepartum period is not the classic presentation of accreta alone.
*Chorionic villi attaching to the decidua basalis*
- This describes the **normal implantation** of the placenta into the decidua basalis of the uterus.
- This is the physiological process of pregnancy and would not cause the symptoms of vaginal bleeding, severe pain, and fetal distress described.
Question 39: A 37-year-old G2P1 woman presents to the clinic complaining of amenorrhea. She reports that she has not had a period for 2 months. A urine pregnancy test that she performed yesterday was negative. She is sexually active with her husband and uses regular contraception. Her past medical history is significant for diabetes and a dilation and curettage procedure 4 months ago for an unviable pregnancy. She denies any discharge, abnormal odor, abnormal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, or pain but endorses a 10-pound intentional weight loss over the past 3 months. A pelvic examination is unremarkable. What is the most likely explanation for this patient’s presentation?
A. Polycystic ovarian syndrome
B. Pregnancy
C. Intrauterine adhesions (Correct Answer)
D. Premature menopause
E. Extreme weight loss
Explanation: ***Intrauterine adhesions***
- The recent history of a **dilation and curettage (D&C)** procedure and subsequent amenorrhea strongly suggest **intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome)**. The D&C can cause damage to the endometrial lining, leading to scar tissue formation.
- The absence of other menstrual symptoms like pain, discharge, or abnormal bleeding, combined with amenorrhea, aligns with this diagnosis, as the scarred uterine cavity prevents normal menstrual shedding.
*Polycystic ovarian syndrome*
- While PCOS can cause amenorrhea, it is usually associated with other symptoms like **hirsutism**, acne, or obesity, none of which are mentioned here.
- The patient's recent D&C and the acute onset of amenorrhea are more direct clues for intrauterine adhesions.
*Pregnancy*
- The patient's **negative urine pregnancy test** performed yesterday effectively rules out pregnancy as the cause of her amenorrhea.
- Although she uses contraception, a negative test is a strong indicator against pregnancy.
*Premature menopause*
- Premature menopause typically occurs before age 40 and is associated with symptoms like **hot flashes**, night sweats, or vaginal dryness, which are absent in this case.
- While the patient is 37, making her within the age range for premature menopause, the recent D&C provides a more plausible and acute explanation for her amenorrhea.
*Extreme weight loss*
- While **significant weight loss** can cause hypothalamic amenorrhea, the patient's 10-pound intentional weight loss over 3 months is not typically considered "extreme" enough to induce amenorrhea in a healthy individual without other contributing factors.
- Her prior D&C is a more direct and significant risk factor for the current symptoms.
Question 40: A 32-year-old woman visits her family physician for a routine health check-up. During the consult, she complains about recent-onset constipation, painful defecation, and occasional pain with micturition for the past few months. Her menstrual cycles have always been regular with moderate pelvic pain during menses, which is relieved with pain medication. However, in the last 6 months, she has noticed that her menses are “heavier” with severe lower abdominal cramps that linger for 4–5 days after the last day of menstruation. She and her husband are trying to conceive a second child, but lately, she has been unable to have sexual intercourse due to pain during sexual intercourse. During the physical examination, she has tenderness in the lower abdomen with no palpable mass. Pelvic examination reveals a left-deviated tender cervix, a tender retroverted uterus, and a left adnexal mass. During the rectovaginal examination, nodules are noted. What is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A. Endometriosis (Correct Answer)
B. Ovarian cyst
C. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
D. Diverticulitis
E. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Explanation: ***Endometriosis***
- The constellation of **dysmenorrhea** (severe lower abdominal cramps, heavy menses), **dyspareunia** (pain with sexual intercourse), and **dyschezia** (painful defecation) with rectovaginal nodularity suggests endometriosis.
- The physical examination findings of a **left-deviated tender cervix**, **tender retroverted uterus**, and a **left adnexal mass** further support the diagnosis of endometriosis, as implants can cause retroversion of the uterus and form endometriomas.
*Ovarian cyst*
- While an **adnexal mass** is present, an ovarian cyst typically does not explain the full spectrum of symptoms like severe dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, or rectovaginal nodules.
- Most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic or cause only localized pain; they do not typically cause progressive **dysmenorrhea** or **deep dyspareunia**.
*Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)*
- PID is characterized by **acute pelvic pain**, fever, and cervical motion tenderness, often following a sexually transmitted infection.
- This patient presents with chronic symptoms, no fever, and a history more consistent with **endometriosis implants** causing pain rather than infection.
*Diverticulitis*
- Diverticulitis typically presents with **left lower quadrant abdominal pain**, fever, and changes in bowel habits, but usually not with severe dysmenorrhea or dyspareunia.
- The rectovaginal nodules and ovarian mass are not typical findings for **diverticulitis**.
*Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)*
- While **constipation**, abdominal pain, and painful defecation can be symptoms of IBS, it does not explain the severe dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, or the physical examination findings such as the adnexal mass, tender cervix, or rectovaginal nodules.
- IBS is a **functional bowel disorder** and usually lacks the structural abnormalities found on examination here.