All Free Midwifery and Obstetric Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. For 10 seconds
• B. For 20 seconds
• C. For 30 seconds
• D. For 60 seconds

Explanation: The fetal heart rate should be counted for a full 60 seconds, especially after a contraction, to identify slowing or irregularity…

• A. Encourage her to empty her bladder
• B. Increase the oxytocin infusion immediately
• C. Ask her to remain flat in bed
• D. Restrict oral fluids until birth

Explanation: A full bladder can interfere with fetal descent and increase maternal discomfort.

• A. Encourage forceful pushing with each contraction
• B. Help her use panting and controlled breathing
• C. Place her in lithotomy and prepare episiotomy
• D. Apply fundal pressure during contractions

Explanation: Pushing before full cervical dilatation can cause cervical swelling and delay progress.

• A. Normal moulding
• B. Severe caput succedaneum
• C. Placental separation
• D. Umbilical cord prolapse

Explanation: Moulding is the overlapping of fetal skull bones as the head adapts to the maternal pelvis.

• A. Perform it routinely for every primigravida
• B. Use it only when clinically indicated
• C. Perform it before the cervix is fully dilated
• D. Use it instead of supporting the perineum

Explanation: Routine episiotomy is not recommended because it can increase perineal trauma and discomfort.

• A. Assist her to empty her bladder
• B. Apply an abdominal binder
• C. Place her in a prone position
• D. Offer a warm drink and allow rest

Explanation: A soft, right-displaced fundus commonly indicates uterine relaxation associated with a full bladder.

• A. At 1 and 5 minutes
• B. At 2 and 4 minutes
• C. At 5 and 10 minutes only
• D. At 10 and 15 minutes only

Explanation: The Apgar score is routinely recorded at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Further assessment may be needed if the score remains low, but later…

• A. Lochia alba
• B. Lochia serosa
• C. Lochia rubra
• D. Purulent lochia

Explanation: Lochia rubra is the red vaginal discharge expected during the first days after birth because it contains blood, decidual tissue, and…

• A. From the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next
• B. From the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next
• C. From the peak of one contraction to the end of the next
• D. From the beginning of one contraction to the end of that contraction

Explanation: Contraction frequency is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.

• A. The number and duration of contractions in 10 minutes
• B. The cervical dilatation and fetal head station
• C. The maternal pulse and blood pressure readings
• D. The fetal position and amount of liquor drained

Explanation: The contraction section records how many contractions occur in 10 minutes and how long they last, usually by shading.

• A. Report the finding and increase fetal surveillance
• B. Reassure the woman that the fluid is always normal
• C. Encourage pushing to shorten the second stage
• D. Delay documentation until the placenta is delivered

Explanation: Thick meconium-stained liquor may indicate fetal compromise and requires prompt reporting with closer fetal assessment.

• A. Push with the contraction and breathe normally between contractions
• B. Hold the breath continuously until the baby is born
• C. Push strongly between contractions to maintain descent
• D. Remain completely still and avoid bearing down during contractions

Explanation: With full cervical dilatation and descent, the woman can push with contractions and rest between them.

• A. Marked molding and possible difficulty with descent
• B. Normal mild molding during early labour
• C. Caput succedaneum caused by scalp edema
• D. Complete cervical dilatation with imminent birth

Explanation: Severe molding occurs when the skull bones overlap firmly and do not separate easily.

• A. Face presentation
• B. Brow presentation
• C. Shoulder presentation
• D. Vertex presentation

Explanation: In face presentation, the fetal head is markedly extended and the face, including the chin, presents first.

• A. Turn her to a lateral position and reassess her circulation
• B. Place her flat with both legs raised above her heart
• C. Ask her to begin pushing to improve venous return
• D. Give oral fluids while keeping her in the same position

Explanation: A lateral position relieves compression of the inferior vena cava by the pregnant uterus and improves venous return.

• A. Dry the newborn thoroughly and cover the head
• B. Place the newborn uncovered under a fan
• C. Wash the newborn immediately with cool water
• D. Separate the newborn from the mother for routine observation

Explanation: Drying removes evaporative moisture, and covering the head reduces heat loss.

• A. Inspect the perineum and birth canal for lacerations
• B. Measure the mother's height and calculate body mass index
• C. Ask the mother to walk to assess her balance
• D. Withhold fluids until the next uterine contraction

Explanation: Inspection of the perineum and birth canal identifies tears that may cause continued bleeding and require repair.

• A. Brief accelerations associated with fetal movement
• B. Persistent late decelerations after contractions
• C. A prolonged fall in rate lasting several minutes
• D. Repeated variable decelerations with slow recovery

Explanation: Brief accelerations usually indicate an adequately oxygenated and responsive fetus.

• A. Oxytocin
• B. Magnesium sulfate
• C. Terbutaline
• D. Diazepam

Explanation: Oxytocin promotes firm uterine contraction and helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage after birth.

• A. Assess for a concealed perineal haematoma and report urgently
• B. Encourage walking to improve pelvic circulation
• C. Apply a warm compress and reassess after one hour
• D. Reassure her that severe pain is normal after birth

Explanation: Severe perineal pain, pressure, tachycardia and little visible bleeding suggest a concealed genital tract haematoma.