Midwifery Test Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rheumatic heart disease. This is because rheumatic heart disease is a known risk factor for cardiac complications during pregnancy due to the strain pregnancy places on the heart. Choice B, notable peripheral edema, is a symptom of heart failure but not a predisposing factor. Choice C, easy fatiguability, is a non-specific symptom and not a direct predisposing factor. Choice D, basal crepitation, is a sign of possible lung pathology and not directly related to cardiac disease in pregnancy. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it directly relates to an increased risk of cardiac issues during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because virilizing adrenal tumors are more likely to be malignant in children. This is due to the fact that virilizing tumors can be associated with conditions like adrenocortical carcinoma, which is a malignant tumor. In contrast, feminizing adrenal tumors are not always carcinomas (choice A) and are not the most common type of adrenal tumor (choice B). Additionally, virilizing tumors in women can be localized to different parts of the adrenal gland, not just the cortex (choice C). Therefore, choice D is the most accurate statement among the options provided.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why D is correct: 1. Arteriolar dilators such as sodium nitroprusside are used to manage hypertensive crisis by rapidly reducing blood pressure. 2. Pheochromocytoma surgery can result in catecholamine release, causing severe hypertension. 3. Arteriolar dilators act directly on blood vessels to lower blood pressure quickly. 4. Alpha-adrenergic antagonists (A) can worsen hypotension, beta-adrenergic antagonists (B) can lead to unopposed alpha-adrenergic effects, and intravenous vasodilators (C) may not act rapidly enough.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Puerperal pyrexia. Maternal febrile condition within the first three weeks postpartum is suggestive of puerperal pyrexia, which is defined as a fever of 38�C or higher occurring after the first 24 hours post-delivery. This condition is commonly caused by endometritis, a uterine infection following childbirth. Puerperal sepsis (choice A) is a more severe form of infection involving systemic symptoms, while puerperal thrombosis (choice B) refers to blood clot formation. Puerperal shock (choice D) is a life-threatening condition resulting from severe infection or hemorrhage, which may present with fever but is not the primary symptom.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Maternal smoking during pregnancy can affect fetal development in multiple ways. Smoking can cause low birth weight by restricting oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, leading to growth issues. It can also increase the risk of preterm birth due to the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. Furthermore, smoking can affect lung development in the fetus, leading to respiratory issues. Therefore, the correct answer is D - All of the above, as maternal smoking can have a comprehensive impact on fetal development, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and lung development issues.