NARM Practice Exam 600 Questions - (271-480) Labor, birth and immediate postpartum Flashcards
271 . Which is not true about the status of membranes?
a) You should check FHT immediately after ROM to check for cord prolapse.
b) Following ROM in a GBS positive client, aiming to reduce or avoid cervical checks, observing temperature carefully, and administering IV antibiotics is a good choice for management.
c) If a client reports obvious ROM but a vaginal exam reveals bulging membranes, it’s likely that there has been a hind leak.
d) If you cannot feel fetal hair through a cervix dilated enough for you to touch the fetus, you can be confident that membranes are intact.
D
272 . You arrive at Noelle’s house 20 minutes after she called you, and it’s clear she’s in second stage already. You go to put on gloves and see a sacrum rumping and, shortly afterwards, the fetus rotating and the legs releasing. As you reach her, you see that there is no cleavage - it is pulled tight on both sides. What (if anything) do you do?
a) Grip the shoulders with both hands. Disimpact and rotate 90 degrees (from ST to SA) and release the posterior arm. Disimpact and rotate 90 degrees back to ST and release the other arm, if indicated.
b) Insert posterior hand so the middle finger is on the fetal occiput, and anterior hand so the first finger is in the fetal mouth. The added benefit of this position is that you can easily feel fetal heartrate. If the fetus is sucking on the finger, this is another reassurance. Push gently on the occiput and pull the chin down. Perform a shoulder press if indicated.
c) Place hands on fetal front and back, prayer pose. Disimpact the fetal arm and rotate towards SP. Sweep (what had been) the anterior arm out and then elevate and rotate 180 degrees to SA. Sweep the other arm, if indicated.
d) Hands off the breech! This is normal, and so you wait to catch the baby as the head releases spontaneously.
C
273 . After suturing a second-degree tear and completing the newborn screen, your client is breastfeeding her neonate when she tells you she feels pressure in her vagina, and it really hurts. You perform an exam of the area, and see an area of tissue that has a blueish color to it just above the apex of her tear. When you gently palpate the area, you feel a fluctuant swelling. What do you suspect, and what course of action should you take?
a) Rectocele. Reassure the client that, with correct exercises, this is likely to significantly improve. In the interim, if she struggles to have a bowel movement, she should try applying pressure to the perineum or on the posterior vaginal wall.
b) A vaginal hematoma. If it is small, it may be spontaneously absorbed, but if it continues to enlarge, transfer of care to a physician is appropriate.
c) Thrombophlebitis in a vaginal vein. Emergency transport is required to prevent pulmonary embolism.
d) Broad ligament hematoma. Apply direct pressure to the area to prevent further expansion, and consult with a physician.
B
274 . Which of these is not a complication associated with cephalohematoma?
a) Erb’s palsy
b) Defective blood clotting
c) Intracranial bleeding
d) Jaundice
A
275 . Which of the following is a correct definition regarding FHR?
a) Prolonged deceleration: an episodic drop in FHR of more than 15 bpm below baseline, which lasts between 2 minutes and 10 minutes.
b) Late deceleration: a gradual decrease in FHR over at least 30 seconds, reaching their nadir after the contraction peaks, and abruptly returning to baseline within 5 seconds of the contraction ending.
c) Episodic change: acceleration or deceleration patterns that occur in relation to uterine contractions.
d) Early deceleration: a deceleration that begins shortly before a contractions starts, abruptly decreases over 15 seconds or less, and returns to baseline as the contraction tapers off.
A
276 . You saw Nika (G1) 3 days ago, at 39.6 weeks, and estimated fetal weight at around 9 lb. Today, she calls you to her labor and you arrive shortly before second stage. She delivers a baby that you estimate to be around 6 lb, with APGARS of 9 and 10. You keep an eye open for lengthening of the cord or a gush of blood and see none. Nika then reports strong contractions, and you see the perineum bulge, but still see to lengthening of the cord. What do you suspect?
a) Placenta is delivering
b) Uterine inversion
c) Placenta accreta
d) Surprise twin
D
277 . Nani gave birth to a healthy GA 41.0-week baby two hours ago. Which of the following is not an important thing she should have done by now?
a) Spent time holding her baby, breastfeeding if she is doing so.
b) Continued drinking, and had something nourishing to eat.
c) Called around her family to tell them of the birth.
d) Voided postpartum.
C
278 . When examining a newborn’s arms, which of the following is not an accurate description of a condition you might encounter?
a) Klumpke’s palsy: damage to the lower brachial plexus. Limp lower arm, minimal arm/hand movement, claw hand.
b) Fractured clavicle: arm is held abducted and flexed.
c) Erb’s palsy: involves damage to upper brachial plexus. Arm is pronated, wrist flexed back, weak shoulder abduction.
d) Amelia: absence of a limb. Hemimelia: absence of the forearms or hand.
B
279 . When examining a newborn’s ears, which of these would you hope to see?
a) Top of pina level with or slightly above the corner of the baby’s eyes.
b) Top of pina level with or slightly below the corner of the baby’s eyes.
c) Placement different on either side.
d) Ears are posteriorly rotated.
A
280 . Which of the following scenarios with a multiple pregnancy/birth does not increase risk (to either/both parties)?
a) First twin’s placenta delivers before birth of second twin.
b) Both twins are longitudinal, with first twin breech and second cephalic.
c) Twins are monochorionic.
d) The twins are dizygotic.
D
281 . Which of the following helps regulate a neonate’s temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate, promotes bonding, relaxation and gut colonization with beneficial bacteria?
a) The hypothalamus.
b) Swaddling.
c) The pituitary gland.
d) Skin-to-skin contact.
D
282 . You’re performing a newborn exam after the Golden Hour, and have already looked at the baby’s head, neck, chest, abdomen and upper and lower extremities, palpating and listening as appropriate. You then turn the newborn over, and discover a small hole over the spine. What does this signify, and what action should you take?
a) This signifies a neural tube defect, and the parents should be told that 35% of babies with this condition die before 10 years of age. Immediate transport is required.
b) This signifies a neural tube defect, and should be brought to the attention of the baby’s pediatrician at their initial appointment.
c) This signifies spina bifida, which can lead to major infections such as meningitis. Transport is appropriate.
d) This signifies spina bifida, but a small hole is not associated with particularly poor outcomes, and referral to a pediatrician at some stage in the early weeks postpartum is appropriate.
C
283 . The following are all signs of what condition? Inefficient transfer of milk, clicking noises when nursing, thick or short glossal frenulum.
a) Lip tie
b) Tongue tie
c) Macroglossia
d) Cleft lip
B
284 . You’re assessing a neonate’s respiratory and cardiac function and note nasal flaring. On closer inspection, you can see that the left side of the chest is more prominent than the right, and think you can hear hyperresonance on percussion of the left anterior chest. Auscultation reveals reduced breath sounds on the left. What do you suspect, and what do you do?
a) A pneumothorax. Transport the neonate.
b) A pneumothorax. Give blow-by oxygen and monitor closely. If nasal flaring does not improve within 30 minutes, or the neonate’s vital signs become out of normal range, transport.
c) The lung contains amniotic fluid. Use a DeLee to suction the lung and listen again. If this does not solve the issue or if nasal flaring continues, transport.
d) The lung contains amniotic fluid. This is normal, and should be absorbed into the lung soon. Listen again before leaving.
A
285 . In which of these situations would use of a birth pool (continue to) be appropriate?
a) The client needs to urinate
b) Fetal tachycardia or a rise in maternal temperature of 1 degree above baseline.
c) Rupture of membranes occurring 31 hours prior to use.
d) The client needs a bowel movement
A
286 . Deep transverse arrest, where the fetal head descends to the ischial spines and then becomes wedged, unable to descend or to rotate to OA or OP, can be identified with which set of signs and symptoms?
a) Prolonged first stage, lack of descent, sagittal suture is in the transverse diameter of the pelvis, development of first stage hypotonic uterine dysfunction, extensive molding and/or caput succedaneum.
b) Prolonged second stage, lack of descent, sagittal suture is in the transverse diameter of the pelvis, development of second stage hypotonic uterine dysfunction, extensive molding and/or caput succedaneum.
c) Prolonged first stage, lack of descent, coronal suture is in the transverse diameter of the pelvis, development of first stage hypotonic uterine dysfunction, extensive molding and/or caput succedaneum.
d) Prolonged second stage, lack of descent, coronal suture is in the transverse diameter of the pelvis, development of second stage hypotonic uterine dysfunction, extensive molding and/or caput succedaneum.
B
287 . Which of the following is not appropriate care of the umbilical cord?
a) Collecting a cord blood sample (while the cord is still pulsating) when the client is Rh negative.
b) Evaluating the cord for true knots or pseudoknots.
c) Waiting until the cord has stopped pulsing before clamping and cutting.
d) Evaluating the cord for number of vessels. Normal is 2 arteries and 1 vein.
A
288 . Which of the following descriptions correctly identify features of (1) recurrent variable decelerations not associated with fetal acidemia and (2) variable decelerations that are associated with fetal acidemia and require urgent action?
a) (1) Return to baseline is gradual (2) Return to baseline is abrupt
b) (1) Duration >60 seconds (2) Duration <45 seconds
c) (1) Shouldering is seen (2) Overshooting is seen
d) (1) Baseline rate unchanged (2) Baseline rate is rising
C
289 . Which of the following terms is paired with a correct description?
a) Infarcts: small, gritty white areas scattered all over the maternal surface of the placenta.
b) Lobulated placenta: one or more smaller accessory lobes of placenta are developed in the membranes, a variable distance away from the main placental mass, attached to the main placenta by fetal vessels.
c) Battledoor placenta: the blood vessels of the umbilical cord separate and leave the cord prior to insertion, and are thus not protected by Wharton’s jelly. They course between the chorion and amnion for a variable distance before entering the placenta surrounded only by amnion.
d) Placenta circumvallate: membranes arise a short distance inward of the placental edge, and fold back on themselves, creating a grey/white ring around the margin of the placenta. Fetal vessels stop here.
D
290 . Which of the following should not be done between birth and expulsion of the placenta?
a) Check vital signs.
b) Encourage nursing.
c) Massage of uterus to stimulate contractions.
d) Ensure the client has an empty bladder.
C
291 . Nafula (G1) is experiencing a shoulder dystocia of her baby. You’ve rapidly moved from one step to another, repositioning Nafula and attempting several maneuvers. None have been successful, and you now decide you must fracture the fetal clavicle. Which do you aim to avoid doing, unless this is the only way to resolve the dystocia?
a) Slide middle finger behind the anterior clavicle (from cephalic direction) and press it outwards.
b) Use two thumbs to press down posteriorly on the center of the anterior clavicle.
c) Hook middle finger below and then behind the anterior clavicle and press it outwards.
d) Hook both thumbs under the middle of the clavicle and pull towards the fetal head.
B
292 . Which of the following is a normal finding for head circumference at the newborn exam?
a) 32-37 cm (12.5-14.5”) and approximately 2cm (0.75”) larger than the chest.
b) 32-37 cm (12.5-14.5”) and approximately 2cm (0.75”) smaller than the chest.
c) 29-34 cm (11.5-13.5”) and approximately 2cm (0.75”) smaller than the chest.
d) 35-40 cm (13.75-15.75”) and approximately 2cm (0.75”) larger than the chest.
A
293 . Which of the following is not a way in which a midwife would normally provide physical support to aid relaxation or as a comfort measure?
a) Encouraging client to stay in the same position for as long as possible before switching to another.
b) Using cold packs, hot packs, a warm shower or warm bath.
c) Using a TENS machine or having the client hold combs.
d) A double hip squeeze, counterpressure, touch/massage or acupressure.
A
294 . Which of these is not an accurate description of something you might record during a vaginal exam?
a) Effacement: percentage of the initial distance between the external os and internal os still remaining. 0-100%
b) Dilation of cervix: 0-10cm
c) Position of cervix: e.g. central, posterior, lateral.
d) Consistency of cervix: e.g. soft or firm.
A
295 . You’ve been with your client for 2 hours and have started seeing a rise towards tachycardia in the fetal heart rate. Your client now tells you that she’s having ongoing pain, not just lasting 60 seconds or so. Her membranes then spontaneously rupture, and you see pink stained amniotic fluid. What do you suspect, and what do you do?
a) This is normal. Continue as usual.
b) Placental abruption. Transport.
c) Cord prolapse. Transport.
d) Old meconium. Monitor following ‘high risk’ protocol.
B
296 . Which of the following observations of genitals in a female baby born at 41.2 weeks would lead you to think there might be a discrepancy in dates?
a) Prominent labia majora
b) White vaginal discharge with a small amount of blood
c) A hymenal tag
d) Prominent labia minora and clitoris
D
297 . The following are all side effects of which medication commonly used in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage? diarrhea, shivering, pyrexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
a) Methergine
b) RhoGAM
c) Pitocin
d) Misoprostol
D
298 . Which of the following is not an accurate description of the degree of a perineal laceration?
a) Fourth degree: Laceration involves those of a third-degree tear, plus the anterior rectal wall.
b) Second degree: Laceration involves those of a first-degree tear, plus perineal muscles.
c) First-degree: Laceration involves the vaginal mucosa, posterior fourchette, and perineal skin.
d) Third degree: Laceration involves those of a second-degree tear, plus tears to the periurethral area.
D
299 . When auscultating the neonatal heart of a quiet and still baby an hour after birth, which of the following is a normal finding?
a) Irregular rhythm
b) Harsh, blowing and pansystolic, or harsh, continuous and thunder-like sound.
c) S1 (“lub”) and S2 (“dub”) sounds, but no S3 (“ventricular gallop”) or S4 (“atrial gallop”) sounds.
d) Bounding pulse
C
300 . You’re examining the placenta and membranes shortly after they’ve been delivered, and note blood vessels that extend from the placenta into the membranes, and that then end at the edge of the membranes. What significance does this have, if any?
a) This indicates that the pregnancy began as a multiple pregnancy, but the second twin was lost. The risks of this are antepartum, and so there is no risk at this stage.
b) This indicates that a succenturiate lobe may be missing. There is risk of hemorrhage and infection if it is not delivered/removed from the uterus.
c) This indicates that a second lobe of the placenta may be missing. There is risk of hemorrhage and infection if it is not delivered/removed from the uterus.
d) This is called a velamentous cord insertion. The risks of this are intrapartum ones, and so there is no risk at this stage.
B
301 . The neonate you just caught is not breathing, so you start to stimulate it. Which of these do you not try?
a) Gently shake the neonate.
b) Warming, positioning, clearing secretions (if needed) and drying the neonate.
c) Flick or pinch the soles of the feet.
d) Briefly rub the neonatal back, trunk or extremities.
A
302 . Natsume has been following your recommendations for managing a complication of labor, and has recently been leaning forwards in the birth pool with her back straight, standing and lifting her belly at the level of the navel during contractions, and is now in a semi-reclining position. What complication is she experiencing?
a) A pendulous abdomen is inhibiting fetal descent.
b) Asynclitic fetal position.
c) Deep transverse arrest.
d) Maternal exhaustion.
A
303 . Which of the following does not describe a situation where perineal support is beneficial?
a) This is the client’s first birth and the head is crowning rapidly: counterpressure can slow the birth of the head, reducing the risk of significant tearing.
b) The fetal head is in military attitude, with the occiput posterior: apply pressure to the perineal membrane to obtain full flexion, reducing the presenting diameter.
c) The anterior fontanelle is visible, occiput is anterior: apply pressure to the perineum to obtain full flexion so the smallest diameter of the head can pass through.
d) The perineum blanches but client is in control of pushing: cup the perineum for the birth of the head to create slack and reduce the risk of tearing.
D
304 . Which of the following descriptions of a type of birth mark is incorrect?
a) Congenital melanocytic nevi (moles): most are brown, but may be shades of pink, red or black. Sometime have raised areas or hair. Normally benign, but if more than 1 is present, the neonate should be evaluated by a physician.
b) Nevus flammeus/Port wine stain: flat pink or red birthmark. Benign, but grows darker and thicker over time.
c) Café-au-lait: two sets of DNA are present in the same person, affecting the color of the skin. The changes may be subtle or large, and birthmarks may form lines or swirls. May become more apparent later in life, particularly with sun exposure.
d) Nevus simplex (‘salmon patch’/’angel kiss’/’stork bite’): flat pink or red birthmarks located on eyelids, forehead, back of the neck, top of the head, under the nose, and on the lower back. Exaggerated with exertion. Benign and fade over early childhood.
C
305 . Which of the following descriptions of abnormalities of the extremities is incorrect?
a) Congenital vertical talus: rocker-bottom foot; a rigid deformity with dorsiflexed forefoot, normally requiring surgery.
b) Syndactylous: fewer than 5 digits on an extremity
c) Metatarsus adductus: a sharp, inward angle of the front half of the foot
d) Talipes: club foot; various forms of a congenital deformity of the foot, usually marked by a curled shape or twisted position of the ankle, heel and toes.
B
306 . What colors and timing should you see in newborn stools in the first week?
a) First 24-48 hours: black/dark green. Days 2-3: beginning of transitional stools of thinner browner/yellower green. By day 6: full transition to milk stools, normally mustard colored (sometimes with ‘seeds’) for breastfed babies and tan-brown for formula-fed babies.
b) First 48-72 hours: black/dark green. Days 3-5: beginning of transitional stools of thinner browner/yellower green. By day 10: full transition to milk stools, normally mustard colored (sometimes with ‘seeds’) for breastfed babies and tan-brown for formula-fed babies.
c) First 24-48 hours: black/dark green. Days 2-3: beginning of transitional stools of thinner browner/yellower green. By day 6: full transition to milk stools, normally mustard colored (sometimes with ‘seeds’) for formula-fed babies and tan-brown for breastfed babies.
d) First 48-72 hours: black/dark green. Days 3-5: beginning of transitional stools of thinner browner/yellower green. By day 10: full transition to milk stools, normally mustard colored (sometimes with ‘seeds’) for formula-fed babies and tan-brown for breastfed babies.
A
307 . For an LOA fetus that has engaged (the biparietal diameter of the head has passed through the pelvic inlet), which of these is not a correctly described cardinal movement for normal birth?
a) 4. Lateral flexion or expulsion causes the fetus’s shoulders and body to be born. Normally, the posterior shoulder impinges under the symphysis pubis and the anterior shoulder then distends the perineum and is born by lateral flexion.
b) 1. Extension of the head causes the head to be born
c) 2. Restitution occurs when the head turns 45 degrees so that it is once again at a right angle to the shoulders
d) 3. External rotation occurs when the shoulders rotate 45 degrees, bringing the bisacromial diameter into alignment with the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvic outlet
A
308 . Which of the following is true about uterine contractions?
a) Tachysystole is defined as at least 5 contractions in 10 minutes.
b) Frequency of contractions is calculated by measuring the length of time for which the uterus is relaxed.
c) If contractions slow at any time during labor, this indicates a complication has arisen. Check vital signs, FHTs, look for uterine rupture, malpositioning or clinical exhaustion.
d) Palpation of the uterus during a contraction informs you of how well a client is dilating.
A
309 . Navya’s baby is crowning when you discover a nuchal arm. You decide to deliver it before the head is fully born. How and why?
a) You rotate the fetal head 180 degrees in the direction of the nuchal hand, which means the hand passes over the face and the arm will now deliver spontaneously. This reduces the risk of a perineal tear and reduces the length of the second stage.
b) You supply traction to the fetal head, corkscrewing it out as you do so, turning in the direction of the nuchal arm. This reduces the chance of rapid changes in intracranial pressure.
c) You splint the humerus between 2 fingers and sweep the upper arm across the fetal face and out. This reduces the risk of a deep perineal tear and of shoulder dystocia.
d) You pinch the fingers so that the fetus will extend its arm before the head is born, delivering it. This reduces the risk of shoulder dystocia.
C
310 . Nix recently birthed their baby and you’re now inspecting their perineum and birth canal. They have what appears to be a second-degree tear, and you see active bright red bleeding, with the blood coming in pulses. Which of the following are you not going to do?
a) Clamp bleeding vessel(s), if you can identify any.
b) Suture a third- or fourth-degree tear.
c) Apply direct pressure to the tear.
d) Suture a first- or second-degree tear, or a labial tear.
B
311 . When examining a newborn’s eyes, which of the following is a common finding, not requiring treatment or referral?
a) Subconjunctival hemorrhage
b) Tearing
c) Significant yellow discharge
d) Persistent eye crusting
A
312 . You’re assisting Noura at the birth of her third child. She has a BMI of 32.7, and you struggled to palpate the fetus well. You know it is in longitudinal lie and is cephalic, but nothing else. She’s declined vaginal checks. As the presenting part begins to crown, your see fetal mouth and nose, with the nose anterior of the mouth. What do you do?
a) The fetus is mentum posterior. Help maintain full extension by pressing on the sinciput.
b) The fetus is mentum anterior. Help maintain full extension by pressing on the sinciput.
c) The fetus is mentum posterior and cannot safely be born vaginally. Transport.
d) The fetus is mentum anterior and cannot safely be born vaginally. Transport.
C
313 . Which of these is appropriate when suturing?
a) When tying off suturing, ensure that both knots go the same direction.
b) Stitches are not pulled tight.
c) The needle holder is clamped on the junction of the needle and the suture.
d) The needle is pushed into a stitch with needle holders, but pulled through the far side of the stitch with fingers.
B
314 . You’re palpating and listening to a neonate’s abdomen. Which of these would be an abnormal finding?
a) Scaphoid abdomen
b) No bowel sounds 15 minutes after birth
c) Abdomen is rounded and symmetrical
d) Bowel sounds present 45 minutes after birth
A
315 . Which of the following best describes how to perform external bimanual compression?
a) Stand to client’s side so cranial side corresponds to dominant hand. Press non-dominant hand firmly into abdominal wall just above symphysis pubis. Pass open dominant hand behind the fundus and bend fundus over lower hand. Compress for 5-20 minutes, then gradually attempt to release, monitoring for bleeding.
b) Stand to client’s side so cranial side corresponds to non-dominant hand. Press non-dominant hand firmly into abdominal wall just above symphysis pubis. Pass open dominant hand behind the fundus and bend fundus over lower hand. Compress for 5-20 minutes, then gradually attempt to release, monitoring for bleeding.
c) Stand to client’s side so cranial side corresponds to non-dominant hand. Press non-dominant hand firmly into abdominal wall just above symphysis pubis. Place dominant hand on the fundus and push firmly posteriorly for 5-20 minutes, then gradually attempt to release, monitoring for bleeding.
d) Stand to client’s side so cranial side corresponds to dominant hand. Press non-dominant hand firmly into abdominal wall just above symphysis pubis. Place dominant hand on the fundus and push firmly posteriorly for 5-20 minutes, then gradually attempt to release, monitoring for bleeding.
A
316 . Which of the following is likely to make bleeding worse if given to a client experiencing PPH?
a) Shepherd’s Purse
b) Asking the client to focus on stopping her bleeding
c) Caulophyllum
d) Angelica Sinensis (Dong quai)
D
317 . You’re teaching your client how to position her baby for breastfeeding. Which is incorrect positioning?
a) Baby lies on their back which she crouches over them on all fours and dangles her nipple in the baby’s mouth.
b) The neck and spine are aligned laterally, with the baby’s head facing forwards, and the neck is slightly extended.
c) The nipple is lined up with the baby’s mouth or chin before they open their mouth to latch on.
d) Lying on her side with the baby lying alongside her, belly to belly.
C
318 . When examining a newborn’s spine, you notice a sacral dimple. Which of the following statements is not accurate?
a) If there is a hair growing in the dimple, refer to a pediatrician as soon as possible.
b) You should probe the pit to determine if it is closed. If it is not, refer to a pediatrician as soon as possible.
c) If there is moisture around a dry dimple, refer to a pediatrician as soon as possible.
d) If the bottom of the pit is not visible, refer to pediatrician as soon as possible.
B
319 . The baby your client just delivered has a cleft lip that was not diagnosed prenatally. In which of these situations would you not need to initiate immediate transfer?
a) Signs of respiratory distress with nursing.
b) Evidence of other undiagnosed anomalies.
c) Neonate appears unable to transfer milk.
d) Neonatal latch draws in more areola caudally than cranially.
D
320 . You think back to recent labors you’ve been assistant at, specifically suggestions the primary midwife gave her client during second stage. One of them didn’t seem appropriate to you. Which one?
a) The client was delivering an OP baby, and the midwife suggested she lie on her left side and lift her right leg up and over, placing her foot on the bed.
b) The client looked to be pushing hard, but no progress was seen, and the midwife placed her hand on the perineum and told the client to push down into that spot.
c) The client was exhausted after over 2 hours of pushing, and was crying and ready to transfer to the hospital. She’d mostly been standing upright, leaning on her partner. The midwife suggested she get into a squat to push.
d) The client was delivering a breech baby, and the midwife suggested hands and knees, dropping to knees and chest once the baby was born to the nape of the neck.
C
321 . Which of the following conditions does not involve congenital limb length discrepancy?
a) Focal femoral deficiency
b) Achondroplasia
c) Hemihypertrophy
d) Fibular hemimelia
B
322 . Which of the following, regarding a neonate’s pupils, is a normal finding?
a) Pupil of one eye constricts with illumination of the opposite eye.
b) One or both pupils not round.
c) Pupils are of unequal sizes.
d) Pupil does not constrict under direct illumination.
A
323 . Nella has been laboring for about 4 hours when her membranes rupture. She begins spontaneously pushing, and you see the sacrum bulging at the perineum a few minutes later. Which of the following is not accurate?
a) As soon as the shoulders are born, you should gently lift the baby towards Nella’s abdomen to birth the face.
b) The birth of the head must be completed within approximately 5 minutes of birth to the umbilicus.
c) The fetal head must be flexed when it enters the pelvis.
d) You should ensure the umbilical cord is not pulled taught, and can gently pull a little slack if it is.
A
324 . Your client is showing signs of hypovolemic shock and you’ve activated your emergency transfer protocol. Your assistant has called 911, given the address and the situation, and is now calling the NICU to report Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations. What have you been doing while they are on the phone?
a) Maintaining an airway, giving oxygen at 6 l/min, starting an IV with clamps open, attempting to stop the bleeding.
b) Encourage baby to breastfeed, stimulate contractions, give allopathic or non-allopathic treatment for hemorrhage.
c) Giving the client oxygen and then tidying the birth space so that EMS do not think poorly of midwifery. This could affect the entire state!
d) Monitoring vital signs so you can give up-to-date report to EMS and NICU.
A
325 . Which of the following scenarios (with no known issues with breastfeeding or the baby) is not an appropriate feeding pattern?
a) Sucking for several seconds at a time until letdown is achieved, then pausing to swallow every couple of seconds.
b) 2-4 hours between feeds with 10-20 minutes on the first breast and the second offered, alternating which breast is offered first.
c) 6-8 hours between two feeds in the first 24 hours.
d) Every 3 hours for 10 minutes each side.
D
326 . Which of these ranges is not correct for a newborn?
a) Rectal temperature: 98.1 to 100.2 F (36.7-37.9 C). Note that the thermometer could perforate the rectum and/or cause a vagal response.
b) Weight: 5lb 5oz to 10lb 2oz
c) Axillary temperature: 97.7 to 99.8 F (36.5 to 37.7 C)
d) Length: 18” to 22” (45.5cm to 60cm)
C
327 . Which of the following reflexes has not been accurately described?
a) Rooting: triggered by toughing a finger to the neonate’s cheek or the corner of the mouth. The neonate turns the head towards the stimulus, opening the mouth and searching for the stimulus.
b) Blinking: triggered by a loud noise. The neonate blinks.
c) Plantar: triggered by stroking across the ball of the foot or pressing into the ball of the foot with a blunt object. The toes flex.
d) Stepping: triggered by holding the neonate upright and touching one foot to a flat surface. The neonate makes walking motions with both feet.
B
328 . You’re examining a newborn’s abdomen about 90 minutes after birth. You wait until the baby is relaxed, and then gently palpate, with knees flexed towards the abdomen, and, finally, auscultate. Which of the following is an abnormal finding?
a) Bruit over the liver.
b) You are able to palpate a kidney.
c) Abdomen is smooth and even, with no abnormal masses discovered.
d) You are able to palpate the bladder, 2 cm above the symphysis.
A
329 . Which of the following best describes how to manually stimulate the postpartum uterus when PPH from atony is present?
a) Vigorously rub the skin on the lower abdomen.
b) Drive a fist into the abdomen above the umbilicus and rock from side to side.
c) You should never fiddle with the fundus. Do not attempt to manually elicit a contraction.
d) Place a hand on the lower abdomen and repetitively massage or squeeze the fundus.
D
330 . Which of the following statements about Methergine is not true?
a) Methergine IM can be given every 2-4 hours.
b) The correct dose for Methergine IM is 0.2 mg.
c) Methergine tablets can be given every 6-8 hours.
d) Methergine should not be administered IV.
D
331 . Which of the following is not appropriate for suturing postpartum?
a) SH (small half circle) needle.
b) 2-0 suture.
c) A cutting needle.
d) Absorbable suture, e.g. Vicryl.
C
332 . When performing a newborn exam, you note that the nostrils widen on every inhalation. What does this signify?
a) The neonate is upset.
b) Respiratory distress.
c) There is no clinical significance.
d) The nostrils are fully obstructed.
B
333 . Which of the following is most concerning?
a) Central cyanosis that worsens with crying.
b) Circumoral cyanosis that appears during crying.
c) Acrocyanosis at the time of the 5-minute APGAR.
d) Peripheral cyanosis in a neonate wrapped in a damp blanket.
A
334 . Naomi has been laboring well for about 6 hours since you arrived, and is beginning to feel the urge to push, but she cries out whenever she tries, and tells you there’s something wrong. She asks for a vaginal exam, and you find an anterior lip pinched between the pelvis and the fetal head. You discuss possible ways to resolve this with her. Which of these is not one of the things you discuss?
a) Although it might become difficult, refraining from pushing for a while could allow it to resolve spontaneously. You can help support her through this in various ways.
b) You could push the cervix behind the descending head, though this can be quite uncomfortable.
c) You could manually massage the lip, possibly with evening primrose oil or with ice in a surgical glove.
d) Position changes, but avoiding anything that reduces the pressure of the fetal head on the cervix, such as knees-chest or inversions.
D
335 . Nadine has been in second stage for about 30 minutes. You’re listening to FHT approximately every 5 minutes, and have been able to hear them throughout most of the last 2 contractions. Baseline is around 130-135 bpm. As the contractions have built, the FHR has gradually dropped, falling to around 96 bpm at its nadir. The rate has then gradually increased back to baseline as the contraction tapers off, and variability has been seen between contractions, including reactivity to stimulation of the fetal scalp. What do you do?
a) This is a category III FHR. These long, low decelerations show fetal compromise and imply that vaginal birth is not safe for this fetus. Emergency transport is required. Call 911 and lie Nadine on her left side with oxygen at 10 l/min.
b) This is a category II FHR. Early decelerations alone are not considered non-reassuring, but the nadir is below the lowest ‘normal’ rate of 110 bpm. Careful monitoring is required, and resuscitation equipment should be checked in case it is needed.
c) This is a category I FHR. Early decelerations are common in second stage, and are thought to be caused by vagal stimulation of the temporal baroreceptors as the head is compressed by the birth canal.
d) This is a category III FHR. These decelerations show significant fetal distress, and birth must be hastened by all possible means, including position changes, coached pushing, and an episiotomy if this might hasten delivery.
C
336 . When performing a newborn screen, you notice that both hands have one crease running across them, not the normal two. Which of the following is not an accurate statement?
a) This is associated with several syndromes, including Down Syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and congenital rubella syndrome.
b) You should tell the parents of the presence of ‘simian creases’.
c) You should record ‘bilateral single transverse palmar creases’ in the chart.
d) This is a normal variation seen in approximately 5% of the population.
B
337 . Your client has a family history of deafness, and so you are checking the patency of the neonate’s ear canals. Which of these methods do you use to do so?
a) Gently pull the outer ear down and back and place otoscope speculum into ear canal. You should see a pearl gray tympanic membrane.
b) Gently pull the outer ear up and back and place otoscope speculum into ear canal. You should not be able to visualize anything in the ear canal.
c) Gently pull the outer ear down and back and place otoscope speculum into ear canal. You should not be able to visualize anything in the ear canal.
d) Gently pull the outer ear up and back and place otoscope speculum into ear canal. You should see a pearl gray tympanic membrane.
A
338 . You’re performing active management of the third stage with Nevada, who is nursing her neonate. Bleeding is moderate, and the uterus is contracting well. As you feel the cord rapidly lengthening, Nevada suddenly shows signs of shock, though visible bleeding has not increased. You feel her abdomen to check for ballooning of the uterus, but instead feel a funnel-like depression. You insert your hand to confirm the location of the placenta and to check for concealed clots, and feel a soft tumor-like object filling the vaginal orifice. You immediately tell your assistant to call an ambulance and tell them you suspect what?
a) Postpartum hemorrhage.
b) Placenta accreta or percreta.
c) Placental abruption.
d) Uterine inversion.
D
339 . When auscultating a neonate’s chest, which of the following is a normal finding?
a) Heart rate 190 bpm
b) Heart rate 95 bpm
c) Respiratory rate 55 breaths per minute
d) Respiratory rate 25 breaths per minute
C
340 . Which of the following is not an indication for pathology examination of the placenta?
a) Stillbirth.
b) Multiple calcifications seen on the placenta.
c) Neonatal neurologic problems.
d) Maternal infection antepartum, such as suspected TORCH.
B
341 . The neonate you’re assessing has a barrel-shaped chest, cyanosis, respiratory distress and uneven breath sounds with diffuse rales and ronchi on auscultation. What do you suspect, and what action do you take?
a) Transient tachypnea of the newborn. Give blow-by oxygen until breathing improves.
b) Fluid in the lungs. Use CPAP until it has been absorbed and breath sounds are normal.
c) Immature central nervous system. Check gestational age with New Ballard Scale, and transport if <36 weeks.
d) Meconium aspiration syndrome. Initiate immediate transport.
D
342 . Nancy has been in active labor for 13 hours, and has been in the birth pool for about 30 minutes. You’ve been assessing FHT every 20 minutes, and the chart records the last 8 checks as: 136-144, 132-144, 128-140, 140-148, 136-146 and 146-152. When you check again now, you find FHR at 156-166 bpm. What action do you suggest, if any?
a) This is normal variation as birth nears, and no action is needed. Check FHR again in 20 minutes.
b) Ask Nancy to drink a few more sips of cool coconut water. Check FHR again in 10 minutes.
c) Check the temperature of the pool. If you suspect it is too warm, either cool it down or ask Nancy to get out the pool for a while so she can cool down. Check FHR again in 10 minutes.
d) Put a cool washcloth on Nancy’s head and replace it every few minutes. Check FHR again in 20 minutes.
C
343 . How would a placenta normally be expelled if it begins to separate centrally?
a) Maternal side, membranes trailing.
b) Shultz
c) Duncan
d) Fetal side, membranes preceding.
B
344 . Nasal flaring, grunting, chest retractions and circumoral cyanosis are all signs of what condition?
a) Respiratory distress syndrome
b) Transient tachypnea of the newborn
c) Patent foramen ovale
d) Cardiac shunting
A
345 . Which of the following best describes a ‘ripe’ cervix?
a) Soft, effaced, dilated, anterior.
b) Soft, effaced, dilated, posterior.
c) Medium, effaced, dilated, midposition.
d) Soft, long, posterior, engorged.
A
346 . Shortly after birth, Nathaly tells you she has extreme chest pain, and she starts to gasp for air. She looks cyanotic and then begins to seize. You call an ambulance and notify them that you have a client with suspected what?
a) Transient ischemic attack.
b) Uterine inversion.
c) Disseminated intravascular coagulation.
d) Amniotic fluid embolism.
D
347 . When assessing a newborn’s breathing, which finding would be normal?
a) Use of accessory muscles
b) Grunting
c) Stridor (high-pitched musical breathing sound)
d) Abdomen rises and falls with breathing
D
348 . When palpating the uterus after third stage, what finding is encouraging?
a) Fundus is intermittently firm and soft.
b) Fundus is firm and 2 cm above umbilicus.
c) Fundus is firm and below the umbilicus.
d) Fundus is firm and globular and displaced laterally.
C
349 . Nat recently delivered the placenta and you’ve been focusing on helping with initiation of breastfeeding. You check on bleeding and find a trickle bleed with estimated loss of around 400 ml. Which of these is not a finding associated with the cause listed, and a management strategy?
a) Clots blocking the os: fundal height rises. Express clots by pushing the well-contracted fundus to follow curve of Carus, guarding the uterus above the pubic bone.
b) Retained placental fragments: cotyledons fit together when placenta is gently cupped, margin appears complete. Intrauterine exploration and removal of retained fragments.
c) Laceration in the vaginal vault: uterus is well-contracted and not ballooning. Suture if within scope of practice. Transfer if not. May be necessary to tie off vessel before repair.
d) Full bladder: uterus is boggy, displaced laterally. Have client empty bladder (e.g. into chux pad/catheterize), then encourage breastfeeding or nipple stimulation and/or use allopathic medication or non-allopathic treatment to stimulate contractions.
B
350 . Which is not a risk of manually removing the placenta?
a) Placenta accreta.
b) Uterine inversion.
c) Torrential hemorrhage.
d) Uterine infection.
A
351 . Nadina has had prodromal labor for 3 nights and has now been in active labor for 9 hours, with three episodes of emesis. You’re aware of the risk of maternal exhaustion, and are working to manage this. Which of the following is not appropriate management?
a) Monitor maternal and fetal vital signs, including testing for ketonuria.
b) Recommend that Nadina have nil by mouth because there is an increased risk of emergency cesarean section.
c) Consult if any signs are concerning, and transport if Nadina’s vital signs are above normal ranges or FHT are non-reassuring.
d) Recommend rest, a warm bath, and removal of distractions.
B
352 . You’re doing a newborn exam and are looking at the tongue. Which of these findings is not paired correctly with a possible cause?
a) Macroglossia: hypothyroidism.
b) Tongue heart-shaped: ankyloglossia.
c) Deviation from midline: Cranial nerve damage.
d) Tongue-thrust with depression of the tongue: Metabolic disorder.
D
353 . Nachni (G1) told you after her last contraction that she thought she felt the urge to push, but is now pushing through this contraction and seems confused about how to do it. Her vital signs are all within normal limits, FHT are reassuring, and there are no known complications, including malpresentations. Which of the following is your best course of action?
a) Suggest that Nachni sit on a birthing stool and then talk her through pushing with Valsalva (breath holding) technique.
b) Tell Nachni that an ideal position is squatting, and have her use a birth sling to achieve this. Show her how to tuck her chin in to her chest and curl around her belly as she pushes.
c) Suggest that Nachni breathe through a couple of contractions and wait until the urge to push is stronger, and then listen to her body’s instincts on position and technique.
d) Tell Nachni to get into hands and knees and push only once the contraction reaches its peak, resting between contractions.
C
354 . Which of the following statements about palmar surface creases of the foot is not accurate?
a) The timing of development of foot creases during gestation varies somewhat among races.
b) Abnormal creases are a sign of chromosomal anomaly, rather than a congenital deformity.
c) Until 36 weeks, there are only one or two transverse skin creases in the anterior part, with the posterior two thirds smooth.
d) A deep plantar crease between the first and second metatarsal is associated with Down’s Syndrome and other genetic disorders.
B