Midwifery Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pyuria. Pyuria is a common feature in acute pyelonephritis, as it indicates the presence of white blood cells in the urine due to the infection. Fever, CVA tenderness, and gross hematuria are all common features of acute pyelonephritis. Fever is a systemic response to infection, CVA tenderness indicates inflammation of the kidney, and gross hematuria is often seen due to inflammation and damage to the kidney tissue. Therefore, the absence of pyuria would be unexpected in a patient with suspected acute pyelonephritis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: HELLP syndrome. This must be evaluated as a cause of abdominal pain in a pregnant patient because it is a serious condition characterized by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. These abnormalities can lead to abdominal pain, especially in the right upper quadrant. Placental abruption (B) presents with vaginal bleeding and uterine tenderness, not specific abdominal pain. Spontaneous hepatic rupture (C) is rare and usually presents with sudden severe abdominal pain. Preterm labor (D) typically presents with regular uterine contractions and lower abdominal discomfort, not specific upper quadrant pain like in HELLP syndrome.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inadequate surfactant levels. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse. In respiratory distress syndrome, premature infants have insufficient surfactant production, leading to collapsed alveoli and difficulty breathing. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on quality rather than quantity of surfactant. Choice C is incorrect as rib cage underdevelopment is associated with congenital conditions like thoracic dystrophy, not RDS. Choice D is incorrect as gradual alveolar rupture is not a known cause of RDS.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All neonates need vitamin K for activation of thrombokinase. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver, including thrombokinase, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting. In neonates, there is a deficiency of vitamin K due to limited transfer across the placenta and low levels in breast milk. Administering vitamin K at birth helps prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because vitamin K does not directly impact immunity, prevent jaundice, or promote normal gut bacteria growth in neonates.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Iron supplementation benefits pregnancy by correcting or preventing iron deficiency anemia in the mother. Anemia can lead to various complications for the mother and baby. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues. Therefore, by reducing anemia, iron supplementation ensures optimal oxygen delivery to both the mother and the developing fetus. This ultimately supports healthy pregnancy outcomes. Explanation for other choices: A: Iron supplementation does not directly increase fetal blood flow. C: While iron deficiency may increase the risk of miscarriage, iron supplementation alone does not prevent miscarriages. D: Iron is not directly involved in fetal bone growth, so iron supplementation does not enhance this aspect of fetal development.