Midwifery Exam Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D - All of the above. Braxton Hicks contractions can be differentiated from true labor by timing, intensity, and duration. Timing refers to the regularity of contractions, intensity relates to the strength of contractions, and duration indicates how long contractions last. By considering all three factors together, one can determine whether contractions are Braxton Hicks (practice contractions) or true labor contractions. Choices A, B, and C alone provide only partial information, which may lead to misinterpretation. Therefore, choosing all three factors collectively (D) is essential for accurate differentiation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prevent excessive traction being applied. This is because in a breech delivery, excessive traction can lead to complications such as fetal injuries or umbilical cord prolapse. The midwife should avoid pulling on the baby's legs or body to prevent undue stress on the baby. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Ascertain the fetal wellbeing in utero - this is typically done through other means such as fetal monitoring. B: Allow enough room for the fetus to pass - this should be done by ensuring proper positioning and allowing natural descent. C: Allow gravitating descent of the fetus - this is not a recommended practice as it can cause complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Keep client well hydrated. Encouraging plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration, maintain adequate urine output, and promote flushing of the urinary tract to prevent infections, all crucial for postnatal clients with urinary tract trauma. Proper hydration also supports overall health and aids in the healing process. B: Maintain proper fluid balance - While important, the main aim is to keep the client well hydrated to support healing. C: Facilitate proper healing - Proper hydration does facilitate healing, but the primary aim is to keep the client well hydrated. D: Control growth of organisms - While hydration can help in preventing infections, the main aim is to keep the client well hydrated.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. The ACCF/AHA recommends cardiac consultation before an operation for patients on antiplatelet therapy to assess the risk of bleeding versus thrombotic events. 2. Cardiac consultation helps determine the necessity of continuing, modifying, or stopping antiplatelet therapy. 3. This individualized approach ensures optimal perioperative management based on the patient's cardiovascular risk profile. 4. Choice A is incorrect as stopping antiplatelet therapy for 10 days can increase the risk of thrombotic events. 5. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the decision-making process without considering the patient's specific risks. 6. Choice D is incorrect because initiating antiplatelet therapy in all high-risk cardiac procedures may not be necessary for every patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rotational injury. Flexion-distraction injuries of the thoracolumbar spine are often caused by rotational forces that occur during accidents such as motor vehicle collisions or falls. These forces lead to the spine being twisted, causing separation of the vertebrae. Blunt trauma (A) can cause various spinal injuries but is not specific to flexion-distraction injuries. Seat belts (C) are designed to prevent spinal injuries by restraining the body during a collision. Gunshot wounds (D) can cause spinal cord injuries but are not commonly associated with flexion-distraction injuries of the thoracolumbar spine.