Labor and Delivery Practice Questions

Q: McRoberts manoeuvre is used during labour for management of:

Shoulder dystocia. ***Shoulder dystocia*** - **McRoberts manoeuvre** involves sharp flexion of the maternal thighs against the abdomen, which straightens the **sacrum** and rotates the **symphysis pubis** anteriorly. - This maneuver increases the functional size of the pelvic outlet and helps to dislodge the impacted fetal shoulder in cases of **shoulder dystocia**. - It is the **first-line intervention** for managing shoulder dystocia and is successful in resolving the majority of cases. *Delivery of after coming head of breech* - Management of an after-coming head in breech delivery typically involves maneuvers like the **Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit** maneuver or **Prague maneuver**. - **McRoberts manoeuvre** does not directly facilitate the delivery of the fetal head in a breech presentation. *Normal labour to assist extension of head* - In normal labor, the fetal head typically delivers by **extension** as it passes under the symphysis pubis, and no specific maneuver is usually required. - McRoberts manoeuvre is a specific intervention for a complication (**shoulder dystocia**), not a routine aid for head extension during normal delivery. *Extended arms of breech during assisted breech delivery* - Extended arms in a breech presentation are managed by maneuvers designed to free the arms, such as **Løvset's maneuver**. - **McRoberts manoeuvre** primarily addresses shoulder impaction, not arm entrapment in breech delivery.

Q: Early deceleration of foetal heart rate in labour is due to:

Foetal head compression. ***Foetal head compression*** - **Early decelerations** are a direct result of **foetal head compression** during uterine contractions, leading to increased intracranial pressure. - This pressure causes a **reflex vagal response**, resulting in **slowing of the foetal heart rate** which mirrors the contraction pattern. *Hyperpyrexia* - **Maternal hyperpyrexia** typically causes **foetal tachycardia**, which is an elevated heart rate, not deceleration. - This is a response to the increased maternal and foetal metabolic rate and can be a sign of infection. *Umbilical cord compression* - **Umbilical cord compression** usually leads to **variable decelerations**, which are sharp, abrupt drops in heart rate not uniformly related to contractions. - This occurs due to transient occlusion of the umbilical vessels, reducing blood flow to the foetus. *Congenital heart block* - **Congenital heart block** is a persistent bradycardia (slow heart rate) that is present throughout labour and is not directly linked to uterine contractions. - It is a structural abnormality of the foetal cardiac conduction system.

Q: Deep transverse arrest of head in labour occurs in:

Android pelvis. ***Android pelvis*** - An **android pelvis** has a heart-shaped inlet with a narrow forepelvis, causing the fetal head to engage in a transverse or occiput posterior position. - The narrow midpelvis and convergent side walls in an android pelvis can lead to deep **transverse arrest**, as the fetal head cannot easily rotate to the anterior position. *Anthropoid pelvis* - The **anthropoid pelvis** is characterized by a long anteroposterior diameter and a relatively narrow transverse diameter. - This pelvic shape typically favors engagement in the **occiput anterior** or **occiput posterior** positions, making deep transverse arrest less common. *Platypelloid pelvis* - A **platypelloid pelvis** has a wide transverse diameter and a very short anteroposterior diameter, leading to a flattened shape. - This shape often results in the fetal head engaging in the **transverse position**, but arrest usually occurs at the inlet rather than deep in the pelvis, or the head fails to engage at all. *Gynaecoid pelvis* - The **gynaecoid pelvis** is considered the ideal female pelvis, with a rounded inlet and adequate diameters in all planes. - This shape allows for easy engagement and rotation of the fetal head, making deep **transverse arrest** very unlikely.

Q: Labour is called normal if it fulfills the following criteria EXCEPT:

Vaginal breech delivery. ***Vaginal breech delivery*** - A **breech presentation** (where the baby's buttocks or feet are descended first) is **definitively NOT considered normal labor**. - Normal labor requires **cephalic (vertex) presentation** as a fundamental criterion. - While vaginal breech delivery may be attempted in select cases, it carries **significantly higher risks** and is classified as **abnormal presentation**, making this the correct answer to the EXCEPT question. *Spontaneous onset at term* - **Spontaneous onset** (not induced) occurring **at term** (37-42 weeks of gestation) is a **core characteristic of normal labor**. - This ensures physiologic readiness and fetal maturity. *Vertex presentation* - **Vertex (cephalic) presentation** with the occiput as the presenting part is the **defining requirement** for normal labor. - This is the optimal presentation allowing the smallest diameter to navigate the birth canal. *Vaginal delivery with episiotomy* - Traditionally, vaginal delivery with episiotomy has been included in definitions of normal labor, though episiotomy itself is a surgical intervention. - **Note**: Modern obstetric guidelines (WHO, NICE) emphasize that **routine episiotomy should be avoided** and normal birth should be spontaneous without operative interventions. However, for examination purposes and based on traditional definitions used in this PYQ, vaginal delivery (even with episiotomy) is distinguished from operative delivery (forceps/vacuum) or cesarean section. - The key distinction: **breech presentation** itself (regardless of delivery mode) makes labor abnormal, whereas episiotomy is a **procedural intervention** during an otherwise potentially normal labor.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding diameters of a normal female pelvis: 1. AP diameter is the shortest diameter at brim 2. Oblique diameter is the largest diameter of inlet 3. Diagonal conjugate cannot be directly measured Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only. ***1 only*** - The **anteroposterior (AP) diameter** (true conjugate/obstetric conjugate) is indeed the **shortest diameter at the brim** of the normal female pelvis, measuring approximately **11 cm**. - At the pelvic inlet, the **transverse diameter is the longest (13 cm)**, followed by the **oblique diameter (12 cm)**, and the **AP diameter is the shortest (11 cm)**. - This is the correct answer as only Statement 1 is accurate. *1 and 2 only* - While Statement 1 is correct, Statement 2 is **incorrect**. - The **oblique diameter (12 cm)** is NOT the largest diameter of the inlet. The **transverse diameter (13-13.5 cm)** is the largest diameter at the pelvic inlet. - This is a common misconception that must be clarified. *2 only* - Statement 2 is **incorrect**. The **transverse diameter**, not the oblique diameter, is the largest diameter of the pelvic inlet. - In a normal gynecoid pelvis: Transverse (13 cm) > Oblique (12 cm) > AP diameter (11 cm). *1, 2 and 3* - Statement 1 is correct, but Statements 2 and 3 are **incorrect**. - Statement 2: The oblique diameter is not the largest; the **transverse diameter** is. - Statement 3: The **diagonal conjugate CAN be measured clinically** during vaginal examination (from lower border of symphysis pubis to sacral promontory) and typically measures 12.5 cm.

Q: Given below are the Obstetric maneuvers and their indications. Which one of the following is correctly matched?

Ritgen's maneuver – Controlled delivery of fetal head. ***Ritgen's maneuver*** - This maneuver is used for the **controlled delivery of the fetal head** to prevent rapid expulsion, which can lead to maternal perineal trauma. - It involves applying pressure to the fetal chin through the perineum while simultaneously applying pressure to the occiput to facilitate slow and controlled extension of the head. *McRobert's maneuver* - McRobert's maneuver is used to manage **shoulder dystocia**, not after the delivery of the head in a breech presentation. - It involves hyperflexing the mother's hips towards her abdomen to rotate the symphysis pubis and increase the pelvic outlet dimension. *Lovset's maneuver* - Lovset's maneuver is used to deliver the **arms in a breech presentation**, not the foot. - It involves rotating the fetal trunk to bring the anterior shoulder under the maternal symphysis pubis, allowing the delivery of the posterior arm. *Pinard's maneuver* - Pinard's maneuver is used for the delivery of the **extended legs in a breech presentation**, not an extended arm. - It involves pressure in the popliteal fossa to flex the knee, allowing the foot to be grasped and delivered.

Q: Consider the following cardinal movements of mechanism of normal labor: 1. Engagement 2. Internal rotation 3. Flexion 4. Restitution 5. Crowning 6. External rotation What is the correct sequence of movements in labor in occipito-lateral position?

1, 3, 2, 5, 4 and 6. ***1, 3, 2, 5, 4 and 6*** - This sequence accurately represents the order of events during normal vaginal delivery **in occipito-lateral position**, starting with **engagement** and progressing through the cardinal movements. - The sequence follows: **Engagement (1)** → **Flexion (3)** → **Internal rotation (2)** from occipito-lateral to occipito-anterior → **Crowning (5)** during extension phase → **Restitution (4)** → **External rotation (6)**. - While **crowning** is not technically a cardinal movement, it occurs during the **extension** phase and marks the emergence of the fetal head at the introitus. - In **occipito-lateral position**, internal rotation is essential for converting the position to occipito-anterior for delivery. *3, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 5* - This sequence incorrectly places **flexion before engagement**, which is physiologically impossible as the fetal head must first engage in the pelvic inlet before significant flexion occurs. - **Crowning** is placed after external rotation, but crowning occurs during the extension phase, well before restitution and external rotation. *1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6* - This sequence incorrectly places **internal rotation before flexion**, whereas flexion typically occurs first to reduce the presenting diameter and facilitate internal rotation. - The sequence also places **crowning after restitution**, which contradicts the normal progression where crowning occurs during extension, before restitution. *2, 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6* - This sequence incorrectly begins with **internal rotation before engagement**, which is physiologically impossible as the fetal head must be engaged in the pelvis before it can rotate. - **Engagement** must always be the first cardinal movement.

Q: Which one of the following is NOT a sign of separation of placenta?

The fundal height reduces further. ***The fundal height reduces further*** - A **reduction in fundal height** is not a sign of placental separation; rather, the fundus often rises slightly as the separated placenta descends into the lower uterine segment. - After separation, the uterus typically becomes **globular** and the fundus may rise to a level above the umbilicus. *Apparent lengthening of the cord with slight gush of vaginal bleeding* - **Lengthening of the umbilical cord** outside the vagina is a classic sign of placental separation, indicating the placenta has descended. - A **gush of blood** often occurs as the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, releasing pooled blood from the retroplacental space. *Uterus becomes globular, firm and ballotable* - After separation, the uterus contracts strongly, becoming more **globular** and **firm** as it expels the placenta. - The uterus may feel **ballotable** if the placenta is still within the uterine cavity but detached. *Slight bulging in the suprapubic region* - A **slight bulging in the suprapubic region** (above the symphysis pubis) indicates that the separated placenta has descended into the lower uterine segment or vagina, creating a palpable mass. - This sign is often referred to as a "boggy" or "fullness" sensation in the lower abdomen due to the descended placenta.

Q: Which of the following information are provided by partograph? 1. Colour of liquor 2. Uterine contractions with duration and frequency 3. Dilatation of cervix Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 2 and 3. ***1, 2 and 3*** - A **partograph** is a composite graphical record of key maternal and fetal parameters during labor, specifically designed to monitor the progress of labor and to identify deviations from normal. - It includes charting the **colour of liquor**, **uterine contractions (frequency and duration)**, and **cervical dilatation** to assess the progression of labor. *2 and 3 only* - This option is incorrect because the partograph also records the **colour of liquor** in addition to uterine contractions and cervical dilatation. - The colour of liquor provides vital information about fetal well-being, such as the presence of **meconium**, which indicates fetal distress. *1 and 3 only* - This option is incorrect because the partograph also records the **frequency and duration of uterine contractions**, which are crucial for assessing the power and effectiveness of labor. - Uterine contractions are fundamental to the progress of cervical dilatation and fetal descent. *1 and 2 only* - This option is incorrect because the partograph also records the **dilatation of the cervix**, which is the primary indicator of the progress of the first stage of labor. - The rate of cervical dilatation is crucial for determining if labor is progressing normally or if there is a **protracted labor** requiring intervention.

Question 1

A 20 year old primigravida is admitted with full term pregnancy and labour pains. At 4 A.M. she goes into active phase of labour with 4 cm cervical dilatation. Membranes rupture during p/v examination showing clear liquor. A repeat p/v after 4 hours of good uterine contractions reveals a cervical dilatation of 5 cm. What should be the next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Reassess for occipitoposterior position and cephalopelvic disproportion

Answer

Oxytocin drip

Answer

Immediate caesarean section

Answer

Reassess after 4 hours

Question 2

McRoberts manoeuvre is used during labour for management of:

Accepted Answer

Shoulder dystocia

Answer

Delivery of after coming head of breech

Answer

Normal labour to assist extension of head

Answer

Extended arms of breech during assisted breech delivery

Question 3

Early deceleration of foetal heart rate in labour is due to:

Accepted Answer

Foetal head compression

Answer

Hyperpyrexia

Answer

Umbilical cord compression

Answer

Congenital heart block

Question 4

Deep transverse arrest of head in labour occurs in:

Accepted Answer

Android pelvis

Answer

Anthropoid pelvis

Answer

Platypelloid pelvis

Answer

Gynaecoid pelvis

Question 5

Labour is called normal if it fulfills the following criteria EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Vaginal breech delivery

Answer

Spontaneous onset at term

Answer

Vertex presentation

Answer

Vaginal delivery with episiotomy

Question 6

Consider the following statements regarding diameters of a normal female pelvis:

1. AP diameter is the shortest diameter at brim
2. Oblique diameter is the largest diameter of inlet
3. Diagonal conjugate cannot be directly measured Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2 only

Question 7

Given below are the Obstetric maneuvers and their indications. Which one of the following is correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Ritgen's maneuver – Controlled delivery of fetal head

Answer

McRobert's maneuver – After coming head of breech

Answer

Lovset's maneuver – Delivery of foot in breech

Answer

Pinard's maneuver – Delivery of extended arm

Question 8

Consider the following cardinal movements of mechanism of normal labor:

1. Engagement
2. Internal rotation
3. Flexion
4. Restitution
5. Crowning
6. External rotation

What is the correct sequence of movements in labor in occipito-lateral position?

Accepted Answer

1, 3, 2, 5, 4 and 6

Answer

3, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 5

Answer

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Answer

2, 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Question 9

Which one of the following is NOT a sign of separation of placenta?

Accepted Answer

The fundal height reduces further

Answer

Apparent lengthening of the cord with slight gush of vaginal bleeding

Answer

Uterus becomes globular, firm and ballotable

Answer

Slight bulging in the suprapubic region

Question 10

Which of the following information are provided by partograph?

1. Colour of liquor
2. Uterine contractions with duration and frequency
3. Dilatation of cervix

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 2 only

Labor and Delivery — MCQs

Labor and Delivery — MCQs

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