Free Maternal and Child Health in the Community MCQs with Answers

• A. Mild nausea after eating
• B. Occasional painless fetal movement
• C. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
• D. Increased urinary frequency

Explanation: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy may indicate miscarriage, placenta previa, placental abruption, or another serious complication.

• A. Advise her to rest at home
• B. Arrange urgent referral for assessment
• C. Give extra oral fluids and observe
• D. Schedule her next routine antenatal visit

Explanation: Severe headache, visual disturbance, and facial swelling may indicate pre-eclampsia, which can progress to seizures and maternal or fetal…

• A. Apply firm uterine massage
• B. Offer a large meal
• C. Encourage her to walk
• D. Place a cold pack on her abdomen

Explanation: A soft, boggy uterus suggests uterine atony, a common cause of postpartum haemorrhage.

• A. It works even when monthly bleeding returns
• B. It is reliable if the baby is under six months, breastfeeding is exclusive, and menstruation has not returned
• C. It prevents pregnancy whenever breastfeeding occurs once daily
• D. It remains reliable until the child reaches one year of age

Explanation: The lactational amenorrhea method requires all three conditions: exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding, no return of menstruation…

• A. Bathe the newborn before feeding
• B. Dry the newborn and place the baby skin to skin
• C. Separate the newborn for routine weighing
• D. Leave the newborn uncovered for observation

Explanation: Immediate drying and skin-to-skin contact reduce evaporative and conductive heat loss and support early breastfeeding.

• A. Give colostrum because it provides protective factors
• B. Discard colostrum because it is difficult to digest
• C. Give sugar water before starting breastfeeding
• D. Start animal milk if the mother feels tired

Explanation: Colostrum is concentrated in antibodies and other protective factors, so it should be given rather than discarded.

• A. Provide home care advice only
• B. Arrange urgent referral after giving appropriate pre-referral care
• C. Ask the caregiver to return after three days
• D. Recommend an over-the-counter cough mixture

Explanation: Inability to drink and abnormal sleepiness are general danger signs requiring urgent referral.

• A. The child has satisfactory growth
• B. The child may have growth faltering
• C. The child has reached final height
• D. The child needs no nutritional assessment

Explanation: A downward crossing of growth lines suggests growth faltering and requires assessment of feeding, illness, nutrition, and social factors.

• A. At birth with every breastfeed
• B. At about six months while breastfeeding continues
• C. At two months when crying increases
• D. After twelve months when teeth appear

Explanation: Breast milk alone is recommended for about the first six months, followed by safe, adequate complementary foods while breastfeeding…

• A. Advise warm fluids and routine follow-up
• B. Arrange urgent assessment and referral
• C. Give a cough suppressant and wait
• D. Tell the caregiver to stop feeding temporarily

Explanation: Chest indrawing at rest can indicate severe respiratory illness and requires urgent assessment and referral under integrated child health…

• A. Checking blood pressure and testing urine for protein
• B. Giving antibiotics to every pregnant woman
• C. Restricting physical activity throughout pregnancy
• D. Performing an ultrasound at every visit

Explanation: Blood pressure and urine protein assessment can identify hypertension and pre-eclampsia risk.

• A. A person trained to conduct normal birth and manage complications
• B. A family member who has attended several home births
• C. A traditional birth attendant who gives herbal preparations
• D. A community worker who records births and deaths

Explanation: A skilled birth attendant has the education and competencies to conduct normal childbirth and recognize, manage, or refer complications.

• A. Mild after-pains during breastfeeding
• B. Small amounts of decreasing lochia
• C. Temperature of 38°C with foul-smelling lochia
• D. Mild tiredness after caring for the newborn

Explanation: Fever with foul-smelling lochia suggests postpartum infection and requires prompt assessment and treatment.

• A. Male or female condoms
• B. Copper-bearing intrauterine device
• C. Combined oral contraceptive pills
• D. Calendar method alone

Explanation: Condoms provide contraception and help reduce transmission of many sexually transmitted infections when used correctly.

• A. Keep the stump clean and dry, and avoid applying substances
• B. Cover the stump with a tight abdominal bandage
• C. Apply ash or oil to help the stump fall off
• D. Clean the stump repeatedly with household antiseptic

Explanation: Clean, dry cord care reduces bacterial contamination and infection. Applying ash, oil, or unprescribed antiseptics can introduce organisms…

• A. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact with the mother
• B. Bathing the newborn immediately after each feed
• C. Separating the newborn from the mother for routine observation
• D. Giving plain water between breastfeeds

Explanation: Kangaroo mother care provides warmth, supports breastfeeding, and promotes bonding in a stable low-birth-weight newborn.

• A. Intradermal injection
• B. Deep intramuscular injection
• C. Subcutaneous injection
• D. Oral administration

Explanation: BCG vaccine is administered by the intradermal route, usually in the upper arm, to provide protection against severe forms of childhood…

• A. Give oral rehydration solution and continue feeding
• B. Stop all fluids until the diarrhoea completely stops
• C. Give an antidiarrhoeal drug without assessment
• D. Give only clear tea for the next twenty-four hours

Explanation: Oral rehydration solution replaces water and electrolytes, while continued feeding helps prevent malnutrition and supports recovery.

• A. Refer urgently for assessment and treatment of severe malnutrition
• B. Advise the caregiver to reduce the child's food intake
• C. Give a routine multivitamin and review after one month
• D. Start a weight-loss plan and encourage more physical activity

Explanation: Severe wasting with bilateral pitting oedema is a sign of severe acute malnutrition and may involve serious medical complications.

• A. Discuss several suitable methods and support an informed choice
• B. Tell her that breastfeeding prevents pregnancy for one full year
• C. Recommend permanent sterilization without discussing alternatives
• D. Advise her to wait until menstruation returns before contraception

Explanation: Postpartum counselling should consider breastfeeding, medical eligibility, reproductive plans, and the woman's informed preference.