All Free Midwifery and Obstetric Nursing MCQs with Answers

Every Midwifery and Obstetric Nursing question in the bank, across all chapters, each with the correct answer and a written explanation. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

450 questions · page 14 of 23

  • A. Longitudinal lie
  • B. Transverse lie
  • C. Oblique lie
  • D. Unstable lie

Explanation: In a longitudinal lie, the long axis of the fetus is parallel to the long axis of the uterus.

Correct answer: Longitudinal lie
  • A. Cephalic presentation
  • B. Breech presentation
  • C. Shoulder presentation
  • D. Face presentation

Explanation: Breech presentation occurs when the buttocks or feet present first. Cephalic presentation has the head presenting, while shoulder…

Correct answer: Breech presentation
  • A. Minus two station
  • B. Minus one station
  • C. Zero station
  • D. Plus two station

Explanation: The ischial spines are the reference point for station, and a presenting part at their level is recorded as zero station.

Correct answer: Zero station
Moderate
  • A. Assess the fetal heart rate
  • B. Offer the woman oral fluids
  • C. Begin fundal massage
  • D. Prepare the postnatal bed

Explanation: The fetal heart rate is checked immediately after membrane rupture because cord compression or cord prolapse can cause sudden fetal…

Correct answer: Assess the fetal heart rate
Hard
  • A. Assess bladder distension and urine output
  • B. Encourage unassisted walking to the bathroom
  • C. Restrict all oral fluids until birth
  • D. Place the woman flat without a pillow

Explanation: Epidural analgesia can reduce bladder sensation and lower-limb strength, increasing the risk of urinary retention and falls.

Correct answer: Assess bladder distension and urine output
Moderate
  • A. Supine with the legs kept straight
  • B. Upright or side-lying with comfort support
  • C. Prone with the abdomen compressed
  • D. Flat on the abdomen with hips extended

Explanation: Upright or side-lying positions can promote comfort, pelvic movement and fetal descent while reducing aortocaval compression.

Correct answer: Upright or side-lying with comfort support
  • A. The uterus becomes soft and broad
  • B. The umbilical cord lengthens visibly
  • C. The mother's pulse becomes slower
  • D. The fetal head begins to crown

Explanation: Placental separation is suggested by a firm, globular uterus, lengthening of the cord and a gush of blood.

Correct answer: The umbilical cord lengthens visibly
Fairly easy
  • A. Dry the newborn thoroughly and maintain warmth
  • B. Separate the newborn for routine bathing
  • C. Suction the mouth and nose routinely
  • D. Weigh the newborn before skin-to-skin contact

Explanation: Drying and maintaining warmth help prevent neonatal heat loss, and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact supports adaptation and early…

Correct answer: Dry the newborn thoroughly and maintain warmth
Very hard
  • A. Engagement of the fetal head
  • B. Descent of the fetal shoulders
  • C. Extension of the fetal trunk
  • D. Expulsion of the placenta

Explanation: Engagement means the widest diameter of the presenting part has passed through the pelvic inlet.

Correct answer: Engagement of the fetal head
  • A. It begins with regular contractions and ends with full cervical dilatation
  • B. It begins with full cervical dilatation and ends with birth of the baby
  • C. It begins with birth of the baby and ends with placental delivery
  • D. It begins with placental delivery and ends with maternal recovery

Explanation: The first stage extends from the onset of true labour until the cervix is fully dilated.

Correct answer: It begins with regular contractions and ends with full cervical dilatation
Moderate
  • A. Caput succedaneum
  • B. Cephalohaematoma
  • C. Subgaleal haemorrhage
  • D. Meningocele

Explanation: Caput succedaneum is soft scalp oedema caused by pressure during labour and may cross suture lines.

Correct answer: Caput succedaneum
  • A. Suboccipitobregmatic diameter
  • B. Occipitofrontal diameter
  • C. Mentovertical diameter
  • D. Submentobregmatic diameter

Explanation: Good flexion presents the suboccipitobregmatic diameter, which is favourable for vaginal birth.

Correct answer: Suboccipitobregmatic diameter
  • A. Assess the woman and inform the responsible clinician
  • B. Apply fundal pressure to speed fetal descent
  • C. Begin pushing before complete dilatation
  • D. Record the finding and wait until delivery

Explanation: Crossing the action line suggests slow progress and requires assessment for causes such as poor contractions, malposition or obstruction.

Correct answer: Assess the woman and inform the responsible clinician
  • A. Position her laterally and seek urgent assistance
  • B. Encourage her to walk around the room
  • C. Offer a warm drink and reassess in one hour
  • D. Continue routine observations without intervention

Explanation: Hypotension with tachycardia and dizziness may indicate compromised circulation, so safety and circulation take priority.

Correct answer: Position her laterally and seek urgent assistance
Hard
  • A. It may depress the newborn's breathing
  • B. It reliably prevents postpartum haemorrhage
  • C. It causes permanent cervical narrowing
  • D. It guarantees complete loss of pain

Explanation: Opioids can cross the placenta and cause neonatal respiratory depression, especially when given shortly before birth.

Correct answer: It may depress the newborn's breathing
  • A. Crowning
  • B. Engagement
  • C. Lightening
  • D. Ballottement

Explanation: Crowning occurs when the fetal head remains visible at the vulva and no longer recedes between contractions.

Correct answer: Crowning
Moderate
  • A. Clamp and cut after delayed cord clamping
  • B. Milk the cord forcefully toward the baby
  • C. Pull on the cord to deliver the placenta
  • D. Cut the cord before assessing the newborn

Explanation: When the newborn is stable, delayed cord clamping allows continued placental blood transfer and is recommended in current newborn care…

Correct answer: Clamp and cut after delayed cord clamping
  • A. Assess uterine tone and vaginal blood loss regularly
  • B. Measure cervical dilatation every fifteen minutes
  • C. Check fetal lie and presentation repeatedly
  • D. Assess for increasing contractions before discharge

Explanation: Regular assessment of uterine tone and vaginal blood loss helps identify early postpartum haemorrhage.

Correct answer: Assess uterine tone and vaginal blood loss regularly
  • A. Complete cervical dilatation
  • B. Birth of the newborn
  • C. Delivery of the placenta
  • D. Complete uterine involution

Explanation: The third stage begins immediately after the baby is born and ends when the placenta and membranes are delivered.

Correct answer: Birth of the newborn
  • A. 90 beats per minute
  • B. 105 beats per minute
  • C. 135 beats per minute
  • D. 175 beats per minute

Explanation: A baseline fetal heart rate of 110 to 160 beats per minute is generally considered reassuring.

Correct answer: 135 beats per minute