Midwifery Test Questions

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: CBC with WBC differential. This test can help rule out infectious causes of left lower quadrant pain, such as diverticulitis or colitis, by assessing for elevated white blood cell count and left shift. A CT scan (A) with contrast may be indicated if the patient's condition worsens or if initial tests are inconclusive. Colonoscopy (C) is more appropriate for evaluating chronic or intermittent abdominal pain, not acute symptoms. Barium enema (D) is an outdated test and not commonly used for diagnosing acute abdominal pain.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Mallory-Weiss syndrome is caused by severe vomiting leading to tears in the esophagus. Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which can result in Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Placenta praevia, cardiac disease, and postpartum hemorrhage are not directly associated with Mallory-Weiss syndrome.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Irritability, hypoxia, and paralysis. Intracranial injury can lead to neurological symptoms such as irritability due to brain inflammation, hypoxia from impaired oxygen delivery, and paralysis from damage to the brain or spinal cord. Limpness, bruises, and hypothermia (Option A) are not specific to intracranial injury. Hypothermia, limpness, and irritability (Option C) do not encompass the key neurological symptoms associated with intracranial injury. Hypocalcemia, paralysis, and hypoxia (Option D) include incorrect factors not typically seen in intracranial injury.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (GCS of 3 to 8 and hypotension) because hypotension is not a specific indication for intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring according to the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines. The rationale is that hypotension is a systemic issue affecting overall perfusion, whereas ICP monitoring is specifically for assessing intracranial dynamics. A, C, and D are incorrect choices because they all involve conditions that could potentially indicate increased intracranial pressure and the need for monitoring. A) Abnormal head CT indicates structural brain injury, C) age > 40 is a risk factor for poor outcomes after traumatic brain injury, and D) bradycardia can be a sign of increased ICP affecting brainstem function. Therefore, these conditions warrant ICP monitoring according to guidelines.