Midwifery Exam Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein intake of 50 g daily. In hepatic encephalopathy, reducing protein intake helps decrease ammonia production. Excessive ammonia leads to neurological symptoms. Lactulose (choice A) is correct for hepatic encephalopathy as it helps eliminate ammonia through the gut. Spironolactone (choice B) is a diuretic and not indicated for hepatic encephalopathy. Zolpidem (choice D) is a sleep aid and not relevant to managing ammonia accumulation. In summary, choice C is correct because it directly targets the underlying issue of ammonia accumulation in hepatic encephalopathy, while the other choices do not address this specific concern.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acyclovir. The rationale is that sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) can sometimes be associated with viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that can potentially help treat the underlying viral infection causing SSHL. It is important to address the potential viral etiology before considering other treatments. Summary of other choices: B: Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and edema, not SSHL. C: Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, not indicated for SSHL. D: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is sometimes used for SSHL, but addressing any potential viral infection with Acyclovir would be a more appropriate initial step.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for reoperation. Given the patient's elevated AST and ALT levels after hepatic resection, along with abnormal prothrombin time and low albumin, there is concern for liver dysfunction. This indicates a potential complication post-surgery, such as hepatic insufficiency or failure, necessitating reoperation for further evaluation and management. Cancelling the transfer (A) would delay necessary intervention. Infusing albumin and fresh frozen plasma (B) would address only the symptoms but not the underlying cause. Repeating labs the next day (C) would not address the urgency of the situation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serotonin. Serotonin is not a primary chemical mediator of hepatic encephalopathy. The main chemical mediators involved in hepatic encephalopathy are A: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), B: Ammonia, and C: False neurotransmitters. GABA plays a role in inhibiting neurotransmission, ammonia is a key factor in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, and false neurotransmitters are produced due to altered amino acid metabolism in the liver. Serotonin is not a key player in the development of hepatic encephalopathy, hence it is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute pancreatitis. The clinical presentation of sudden, severe upper abdominal pain not related to food intake, along with the patient's position (lying on right side with hips and knees flexed), and presence of involuntary guarding suggest acute pancreatitis. The elevated white blood cell count indicates an inflammatory process. Dissecting aortic aneurysm (A) typically presents with abrupt, severe chest or back pain radiating to the abdomen, with signs of shock. Perforated peptic ulcer (C) presents with sudden, severe abdominal pain often related to food intake, with signs of peritonitis. Mallory-Weiss tear (D) presents with hematemesis after forceful or prolonged vomiting.