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 17 of 23

  • A. Placental abruption
  • B. Placenta previa
  • C. Uterine atony
  • D. Amniotic fluid embolism

Explanation: Placental abruption causes painful bleeding, uterine tenderness or rigidity, and fetal compromise.

Correct answer: Placental abruption
Moderate
  • A. Checking maternal vital signs
  • B. Applying external fetal monitoring
  • C. Performing a digital vaginal examination
  • D. Preparing intravenous access

Explanation: A digital vaginal examination can disrupt a placenta lying over or near the cervical opening and cause massive haemorrhage.

Correct answer: Performing a digital vaginal examination
Hard
  • A. Calling for additional help
  • B. Applying suprapubic pressure
  • C. Using fundal pressure
  • D. Preparing for neonatal resuscitation

Explanation: Fundal pressure can worsen impaction of the shoulders and increase the risk of injury.

Correct answer: Using fundal pressure
  • A. Calcium gluconate
  • B. Sodium bicarbonate
  • C. Naloxone
  • D. Protamine sulfate

Explanation: Calcium gluconate antagonizes the neuromuscular and respiratory effects of magnesium toxicity.

Correct answer: Calcium gluconate
  • A. Tranexamic acid
  • B. Magnesium sulfate
  • C. Methylergometrine
  • D. Calcium gluconate

Explanation: Tranexamic acid helps stabilize formed clots by reducing fibrinolysis and is used early in postpartum haemorrhage as part of comprehensive…

Correct answer: Tranexamic acid
  • A. Previous caesarean birth with a uterine scar
  • B. Previous uncomplicated vaginal birth
  • C. Mild iron-deficiency anaemia
  • D. A treated urinary infection

Explanation: A previous caesarean birth may leave a scar that can separate during labour, especially with excessive uterine stress.

Correct answer: Previous caesarean birth with a uterine scar
Hard
  • A. Prepare for urgent birth
  • B. Continue routine fetal monitoring
  • C. Offer oral fluids to the mother
  • D. Wait for spontaneous recovery

Explanation: Persistent severe bradycardia despite corrective measures indicates continuing fetal compromise and requires preparation for urgent birth.

Correct answer: Prepare for urgent birth
  • A. Oxygen and airway equipment
  • B. A urine dipstick and specimen cup
  • C. A fetal scalp electrode
  • D. A warm blanket and feeding tray

Explanation: Sudden respiratory and circulatory collapse threatens airway and breathing first, so oxygen and airway equipment are immediately required.

Correct answer: Oxygen and airway equipment
Fairly easy
  • A. Arrange urgent referral with continued monitoring
  • B. Discharge her when the seizure stops
  • C. Delay referral until blood pressure is normal
  • D. Send her alone with written instructions

Explanation: Eclampsia requires urgent referral for definitive obstetric assessment and possible birth, even when the seizure has stopped.

Correct answer: Arrange urgent referral with continued monitoring
Easy
  • A. A rising maternal pulse rate
  • B. A mild increase in urine output
  • C. A warm flushed maternal skin
  • D. A regular respiratory rate

Explanation: Tachycardia is often an early compensatory response to blood loss, before hypotension appears.

Correct answer: A rising maternal pulse rate
  • A. Intravenous hydralazine
  • B. Intramuscular oxytocin
  • C. Oral ferrous sulfate
  • D. Intravenous calcium gluconate

Explanation: Hydralazine is an antihypertensive used to reduce dangerously high blood pressure in severe pregnancy-related hypertension.

Correct answer: Intravenous hydralazine
  • A. To prevent recurrent seizures
  • B. To produce cervical dilatation
  • C. To increase uterine contractions
  • D. To correct severe anaemia

Explanation: Magnesium sulfate acts as an anticonvulsant and reduces the risk of further eclamptic seizures.

Correct answer: To prevent recurrent seizures
  • A. A well-engaged vertex
  • B. An unengaged presenting part
  • C. A low fetal station
  • D. A fully dilated cervix with descent

Explanation: When the presenting part is high or unengaged, the cord can slip below it when the membranes rupture.

Correct answer: An unengaged presenting part
Easy
  • A. Brachial plexus injury
  • B. Congenital hip dislocation
  • C. Facial nerve palsy
  • D. Tibial nerve injury

Explanation: Shoulder dystocia can stretch the brachial plexus, causing weakness or paralysis of the affected arm.

Correct answer: Brachial plexus injury
  • A. An isotonic crystalloid solution
  • B. A concentrated glucose solution
  • C. A hypotonic saline solution
  • D. Sterile water for injection

Explanation: Isotonic crystalloids such as normal saline or Ringer lactate expand the intravascular space during initial resuscitation.

Correct answer: An isotonic crystalloid solution
Fairly easy
  • A. Maternal vital signs, blood loss, and treatment given
  • B. The woman's preferred room colour and meal choice
  • C. The number of relatives waiting outside
  • D. The date of her previous dental examination

Explanation: The receiving team needs the current clinical condition, estimated blood loss, treatments, response, and important obstetric details to…

Correct answer: Maternal vital signs, blood loss, and treatment given
  • A. A concealed genital tract haematoma
  • B. A completely contracted uterus
  • C. Normal postpartum lochia
  • D. Mild bladder distension

Explanation: A genital tract haematoma can collect blood internally, causing severe pain, pressure, tachycardia, and little visible vaginal bleeding…

Correct answer: A concealed genital tract haematoma
Moderate
  • A. Call the neonatal resuscitation team
  • B. Delay birth until the liquor clears
  • C. Begin routine uterine massage
  • D. Give the newborn oral fluids immediately

Explanation: Thick meconium with abnormal fetal heart findings increases the risk that the newborn will need immediate respiratory support.

Correct answer: Call the neonatal resuscitation team
  • A. HELLP syndrome
  • B. Mild iron deficiency
  • C. Uncomplicated gestational oedema
  • D. Physiological haemodilution

Explanation: HELLP syndrome involves haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets, and right upper abdominal pain may indicate liver…

Correct answer: HELLP syndrome
  • A. 90 beats per minute
  • B. 125 beats per minute
  • C. 175 beats per minute
  • D. 205 beats per minute

Explanation: A usual baseline fetal heart rate is 110 to 160 beats per minute, so 125 is within the expected range.

Correct answer: 125 beats per minute