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 presentation263. A fetal head is level with the ischial spines during vaginal examination. Which station is recorded?
- 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 station264. Immediately after spontaneous rupture of the membranes in labour, which nursing action has priority?
- 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- 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- 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- 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- 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- 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- 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- 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