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 18 of 23

Hard
  • A. Increase the oxytocin infusion rate
  • B. Stop the oxytocin infusion temporarily
  • C. Apply fundal pressure during contractions
  • D. Ask the woman to push with each contraction

Explanation: Seven contractions in 10 minutes indicate uterine tachysystole, which can reduce placental blood flow.

Correct answer: Stop the oxytocin infusion temporarily
  • A. Shortened clotting time and high fibrinogen
  • B. Prolonged clotting time and low fibrinogen
  • C. Normal clotting time and high platelets
  • D. Low clotting time and high fibrinogen

Explanation: DIC consumes clotting factors and fibrinogen, causing prolonged clotting times and thrombocytopenia.

Correct answer: Prolonged clotting time and low fibrinogen
  • A. Previous caesarean birth with placenta previa
  • B. Previous uncomplicated vaginal birth
  • C. Mild nausea during the first trimester
  • D. A family history of twin pregnancy

Explanation: Placenta previa over a previous caesarean scar strongly increases the risk of abnormal placental attachment, including accreta.

Correct answer: Previous caesarean birth with placenta previa
  • A. Phototherapy unit and feeding tube
  • B. Resuscitation bag and correctly sized mask
  • C. Urinary catheter and specimen container
  • D. Adult nebulizer and peak-flow meter

Explanation: An ineffective-breathing newborn may need positive-pressure ventilation, so a neonatal bag and correctly sized mask are essential.

Correct answer: Resuscitation bag and correctly sized mask
  • A. Packed red blood cells
  • B. Platelet concentrate
  • C. Fresh frozen plasma
  • D. Cryoprecipitate

Explanation: Packed red blood cells replace red cell mass and improve oxygen delivery during major blood loss.

Correct answer: Packed red blood cells
Hard
  • A. Uterine balloon tamponade
  • B. Routine vaginal examination
  • C. Oral iron replacement
  • D. Immediate pelvic floor exercises

Explanation: A uterine balloon tamponade can apply pressure inside the uterus and control severe atonic bleeding when initial treatment is…

Correct answer: Uterine balloon tamponade
  • A. Apply external aortic compression
  • B. Place the woman flat on her back
  • C. Encourage oral fluids only
  • D. Apply a warm pack to the abdomen

Explanation: External aortic compression can temporarily reduce blood flow to the pelvis during severe postpartum haemorrhage when definitive care is…

Correct answer: Apply external aortic compression
  • A. Begin CPR with manual left uterine displacement
  • B. Wait for fetal monitoring before starting CPR
  • C. Place the woman in a fully supine position
  • D. Give oral fluids before assessing circulation

Explanation: High-quality CPR must begin immediately, while manual left uterine displacement reduces aortocaval compression from the gravid uterus.

Correct answer: Begin CPR with manual left uterine displacement
Hard
  • A. Prepare for urgent birth and blood replacement
  • B. Encourage walking to improve labour progress
  • C. Perform repeated digital vaginal examinations
  • D. Delay intervention until bleeding becomes visible

Explanation: Placental abruption can cause concealed maternal haemorrhage and fetal compromise, so the team should prepare for urgent birth while…

Correct answer: Prepare for urgent birth and blood replacement
  • A. Open the airway and assist ventilation
  • B. Measure her temperature again
  • C. Offer sips of clear water
  • D. Document the estimated blood loss

Explanation: An ineffective airway and breathing problem takes priority under the ABC approach, even when haemorrhage is also present.

Correct answer: Open the airway and assist ventilation
  • A. Scanty white discharge with no odour
  • B. Bright or dark red discharge with small clots
  • C. Heavy bleeding that saturates a pad in 15 minutes
  • D. Foul-smelling greenish discharge with fever

Explanation: Lochia rubra is normally red and contains blood, decidual tissue and mucus during the first three to four days.

Correct answer: Bright or dark red discharge with small clots
Fairly easy
  • A. Apply a warm compress to the perineum
  • B. Massage the uterine fundus and call for help
  • C. Encourage oral fluids and reassess in 30 minutes
  • D. Place the woman in a sitting position for comfort

Explanation: A boggy uterus with heavy bleeding indicates possible uterine atony, a circulation emergency.

Correct answer: Massage the uterine fundus and call for help
Moderate
  • A. Mild perineal discomfort while sitting
  • B. Lochia changing from red to pink
  • C. Temperature of 38°C with uterine tenderness
  • D. Passing flatus on the first postpartum day

Explanation: Fever with uterine tenderness may indicate puerperal infection, such as endometritis, and requires prompt assessment.

Correct answer: Temperature of 38°C with uterine tenderness
Fairly easy
  • A. Assess bladder distension and encourage voiding
  • B. Restrict fluids until bladder control returns
  • C. Insert an indwelling catheter immediately
  • D. Tell her that urinary retention is expected

Explanation: The nurse should first assess for bladder distension and promote privacy, mobility and normal voiding.

Correct answer: Assess bladder distension and encourage voiding
  • A. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth intermittently
  • B. Scrub the wound firmly after every urination
  • C. Keep the woman on strict bed rest for 48 hours
  • D. Apply talcum powder directly over the incision

Explanation: A wrapped cold pack can reduce pain and swelling during the first 24 hours.

Correct answer: Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth intermittently
  • A. I will feed the baby only when my breasts feel full
  • B. I will offer breastfeeds about 8 to 12 times each day
  • C. I will give formula at night so my milk can collect
  • D. I will limit each breastfeed to exactly five minutes

Explanation: Newborns usually breastfeed on demand, commonly about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.

Correct answer: I will offer breastfeeds about 8 to 12 times each day
  • A. It provides passive protection through immune factors
  • B. It contains more fat than mature milk for rapid weight gain
  • C. It prevents all neonatal infections after one feeding
  • D. It has no nutritional value until mature milk appears

Explanation: Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulin A and other protective factors, and it provides concentrated early nutrition.

Correct answer: It provides passive protection through immune factors
Moderate
  • A. The baby sucks only on the nipple tip
  • B. The mother's nipple is pinched and painful after feeding
  • C. The baby's mouth is wide open with more areola visible above
  • D. The baby's lips are pursed and the cheeks are deeply dimpled

Explanation: With good attachment, the mouth is wide open, the chin is close to the breast, and more areola is usually visible above the upper lip.

Correct answer: The baby's mouth is wide open with more areola visible above
  • A. Stop breastfeeding from the affected breast until redness disappears
  • B. Continue breastfeeding or expressing milk and seek clinical assessment
  • C. Bind both breasts tightly to prevent further milk production
  • D. Apply strong pressure over the red area during every feed

Explanation: Fever with a painful localized red area suggests mastitis and needs clinical assessment, often including antibiotic treatment.

Correct answer: Continue breastfeeding or expressing milk and seek clinical assessment
  • A. Mild afterpains during breastfeeding
  • B. Foul-smelling lochia with uterine tenderness
  • C. Small amount of pink lochia on day four
  • D. Mild perineal discomfort when sitting

Explanation: Foul-smelling lochia with uterine tenderness suggests infection of the uterine lining, especially when accompanied by fever.

Correct answer: Foul-smelling lochia with uterine tenderness