Midwifery Exam Practice Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tympany. Tenderness to percussion is analogous to tympany as both indicate the presence of gas-filled structures. When a patient experiences tenderness to percussion in the abdomen, it suggests that there is gas or air present in the abdomen, leading to a hollow, drum-like sound upon percussion, which is characteristic of tympany. Guarding (B) is the involuntary contraction of abdominal muscles to protect the underlying organs, not related to percussion. Rebound tenderness (C) is the pain experienced when pressure is released during palpation, not percussion. Somatic pain (D) refers to pain originating from the skin, muscles, or bones, not related to percussion findings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cephalopelvic disproportion. This condition occurs when the baby's head is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis during labor. This leads to obstructed labor, causing complications for both the mother and the baby. Maternal exhaustion (A) may occur as a result of prolonged labor but is not the primary cause of obstructed labor. Microsomic fetus (C) refers to a small baby and would not typically cause obstructed labor. Fetal exsanguination (D) is the loss of blood from the fetus and is not a common cause of obstructed labor. Cephalopelvic disproportion is the most common reason for obstructed labor as it directly affects the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): 1. The patient's symptoms of decreased capacity for intake and nausea after eating suggest gastroparesis, a common complication post-ulcer surgery. 2. Given the history of complicated peptic ulcer disease and prior surgery, medication may be ineffective, necessitating potential reoperation. 3. The AGACNP advises that another surgery may be needed, indicating that medication alone may not suffice to address the issue. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Endoscopy is not necessary at this point as the symptoms are likely indicative of a functional issue rather than a structural problem. B: While gastroparesis can occur post-ulcer surgery, the patient's symptoms are more suggestive of gastroparesis rather than chronic gastroparesis as a known complication. D: The frequency of occurrence of symptoms after ulcer surgery is not relevant to the current management of the patient's symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Progressive cervical dilatation indicates effective labor progress. 2. Stopping the syntocinon drops prematurely allows natural labor progression. 3. Prematurely stopping drops before reaching full dilation may hinder labor. 4. Achieving cervical dilatation is a crucial indicator for successful labor. Summary: A: Contractions should be strong, not just moderate. B: Maternal observations alone do not determine labor progress. D: Fetal-related observations are important but not the primary indicator for stopping drops.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fever ? 38�C for three consecutive occasions. Puerperal pyrexia is defined as fever occurring after childbirth. The key diagnostic feature is the presence of fever (? 38�C) on three consecutive occasions, indicating a persistent infection. Choice B is incorrect because it doesn't specify the need for consecutive occasions. Choice C is incorrect as it extends the duration of fever to three weeks, which is too long for typical puerperal pyrexia. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions "occasionally" instead of "consecutively," which is not indicative of a consistent fever pattern seen in puerperal pyrexia.