Obstetric MCQs

Question 1

What acid-base change does pregnancy cause?

Answer 1

Compensated respiratory alkalosis

Question 2

How much does blood volume increase above baseline in pregnancy?

Answer 2

30-50% (4.7L to 7.5L)

Question 3

What is a side effect of spinal anaesthesia?

Answer 3

Hypotension

Question 4

What is the typical thyroid status in pregnancy?

Answer 4

Mild hyperthyroidism in T1, euthyroid in T2 and T3

Question 5

What happens to fibroids during pregnancy?

Answer 5

Red degeneration plus

Bleeding, placenta displacement, premature labour, miscarriage

Question 6

Is round ligament pain worse on the left or right during pregnancy?

Answer 6

Right - uterus rotated to the right causing compression

Question 7

What causes foetal tachycardia?

Answer 7

Foetal hypoxia
Chorioamnionitis
Maternal fever
Hyperthyroidism
Anaemia

Question 8

What causes early decelerations?

Answer 8

Head compression (normal)

Question 9

What is the order of features of herpes simplex virus?

Answer 9

Vesicles, ulcer, crust, resolution

Question 10

What is the treatment for varicella pneumonia in a pregnant woman?

Answer 10

IV acyclovir

Question 11

A pregnant woman is exposed to chicken pox in the first trimester - what is the next best step?

Answer 11

Check IgG status and give IV acyclovir

Question 12

What are the risk factors associated with uterine atony?

Answer 12

Overdistension of the uterus (multiple gestations, macrosomia, polyhydramnios)
Prolonged labour
Augmentation of labour (oxytocin)
Grand multiparity

Question 13

What is the delivery plan for unstable lie?

Answer 13

Contraindication to IOL, elective C-section

Question 14

What are the indications for classical C-section incision?

Answer 14

Pre-term and poorly formed lower segment
Placenta praevia with large vessel over lower segment
Transverse lie with back inferior
Large fibroid
PROM

Question 15

What is the classic skin incision for C-section?

Answer 15

Pfannenstiel incision

Question 16

What are the complications of instrumental delivery?

Answer 16

Haematoma
Facial palsy
Subgalci and cephalohaematomas

Question 17

What method of contraception least affects breast milk?

Answer 17

Progesterone

Question 18

What contraceptive is contraindicated in breastfeeding?

Answer 18

COCP

Question 19

How long is colostrum produced for?

Answer 19

3 days

Question 20

How long does it take for breastmilk to be produced following pregnancy?

Answer 20

72 hours (day 3)

Question 21

When does engorgement happen in a non-breastfeeding woman?

Answer 21

2-3 days

Question 22

What is the presentation of breast engorgement?

Answer 22

Warm, tender and firm breasts with engorged veins and fever

Question 23

What are the symptoms of a blocked duct in breastfeeding?

Answer 23

Low grade fever
Painful lump
Hot, tender breast
Erythema

Question 24

How long does it take for a woman’s weight to return to normal following delivery?

Answer 24

6 months
(Lose 4.5kg follow birth of baby - most back to normal by 1 month but may take 9 months)

Question 25

What are the top 3 causes of maternal death?

Answer 25

1. VTE event
2. Sepsis (peurperal)
3. Haemorrhage

Question 26

What is the cause of PV bleeding in a woman 15 days postpartum with a normal temperature?

Answer 26

Lochia (rule out PPH)

Question 27

What is the order of features of herpes simplex virus?

Answer 27

Vesicles, ulcer, crust, resolution