Midwifery Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Compound presentation. This term refers to the situation where there is more than one part of the fetus on the pelvic brim at the onset of labor. This can include a hand or arm alongside the head or another body part. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Unstable lie refers to the fetus being in a transverse position. B: Fetal malpresentation indicates an abnormal presentation of the fetus, such as breech or transverse. C: Fetal malposition refers to the fetus being in a suboptimal position, like occiput posterior. Thus, the best choice is D as it specifically describes the scenario of multiple fetal parts on the pelvic brim.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Irritable bowel syndrome. Mrs. Maroldo's history of recurrent left lower quadrant pain that usually resolves with antibiotics suggests a chronic condition rather than an acute one like diverticulitis, appendicitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. Her lack of nausea, vomiting, and severe symptoms, along with the presence of diarrhea and no bowel movements, align more with irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, her vital signs are not significantly elevated, ruling out acute conditions like appendicitis. Discomfort to deep palpation in the left lower quadrant is common in irritable bowel syndrome due to visceral hypersensitivity. Therefore, based on her chronic symptoms, lack of severe signs, and typical presentation, the most likely diagnosis is irritable bowel syndrome.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Non-pharmacological methods of pain relief. Homeopathy, music therapy, and hydrotherapy are all non-pharmacological approaches that do not involve the use of medication to manage pain. They focus on alternative techniques to alleviate pain, such as using natural remedies, music, or water-based therapies. These methods aim to address pain through holistic approaches that do not rely on traditional pharmaceutical interventions. A: Systemic methods of pain relief typically involve medications that affect the entire body, such as opioids. B: Regional analgesia methods target specific areas for pain relief, like nerve blocks. C: Inhalational analgesia involves administering pain relief medications through inhalation, such as nitrous oxide. In summary, the other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the non-pharmacological nature of homeopathy, music therapy, and hydrotherapy in managing pain.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because precipitate delivery, characterized by rapid descent and delivery of the baby, can cause cervical lacerations due to the fast and forceful passage of the baby through the birth canal. This can result in tearing of the cervical tissue. Choice A is incorrect because uterine atony is not typically associated with precipitate delivery. Choice B is incorrect as puerperal sepsis is not directly related to the speed of delivery. Choice C is incorrect as the occurrence of precipitate delivery does not guarantee reduced risk of recurrence with prenatal monitoring.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because in obstructive shock due to a large pulmonary embolus, there is increased resistance to blood flow out of the right ventricle, leading to elevated right ventricular pressure. This causes a backup of blood into the pulmonary circulation, increasing left ventricular pressure. The increased left ventricular pressure results in decreased cardiac output as the left ventricle struggles to pump against the increased resistance. A: Elevated atrial and decreased ventricular pressures - This is incorrect as obstructive shock typically results in elevated ventricular pressures due to increased resistance. B: Elevated right-sided and decreased left-sided pressures - This is partially true, but C is a more complete answer that explains the consequences of these pressures on cardiac output. D: Elevated left ventricular pressure and decreased systemic vascular resistance - This is incorrect as obstructive shock leads to increased, not decreased, systemic vascular resistance due to the embolus obstructing blood flow.