Maternal and obstetric emergencies

Question 1

1. What are the leading causes of death for women within 6 weeks of the end of pregnancy?
2. From 6 weeks to a year?

Answer 1

1. Thromboembolism and cardiac disease

2. Cancer and suicide

Question 2

1. What are the 4 Hs, 4 Ts, and two Cs, They summarise the aetiology of maternal collapse.

Answer 2

1. Hypoxia, Hypovolaemia, Hypo/Hyper metabolic, Hypothermia.
   Thromboembolism, Tamponade, Toxins, Tension pneumothorax
   Eclampsia, Intercerebral bleed.

Question 3

1. Identify a major cause of maternal hypotension which is caused by the gravid uterus.
2. What are the specific drug treatments for the following: Cardiac arrest, VF/VT, Opiate overdose, Magnesium toxicity,
   Local anaesthetic toxicity

Answer 3

1. Aortocaval compression.

2. Adrenaline, amiodarone, naloxone, calcium gluconate, intralipid.

Question 4

1. Define shoulder dystocia

Answer 4

1. Shoulder dystocia is any cephalic delivery where manoeuvres other than gentle traction are required to deliver the baby after the head has delivered (1%)