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 20 of 23

Moderate
  • A. Give the rubella vaccine and explain follow-up advice
  • B. Give the vaccine only after the next pregnancy
  • C. Avoid vaccination because it causes congenital rubella
  • D. Give antibiotics until rubella antibodies develop

Explanation: A non-immune woman should be offered rubella vaccination in the postnatal period because the live vaccine is not given during pregnancy.

Correct answer: Give the rubella vaccine and explain follow-up advice
  • A. Restrict fluids until the leakage stops
  • B. Perform regular pelvic floor muscle exercises
  • C. Remain on bed rest until bladder control returns
  • D. Insert an indwelling catheter for several weeks

Explanation: Stress urinary leakage may occur because pregnancy and birth weaken the pelvic floor.

Correct answer: Perform regular pelvic floor muscle exercises
  • A. Mild discomfort when changing position
  • B. A dry incision with closely approximated edges
  • C. Increasing redness with purulent wound drainage
  • D. Mild itching as the incision begins to heal

Explanation: Increasing redness and purulent drainage suggest local infection and require prompt assessment and treatment.

Correct answer: Increasing redness with purulent wound drainage
  • A. Prolactin
  • B. Oxytocin
  • C. Oestrogen
  • D. Progesterone

Explanation: Oxytocin contracts the myoepithelial cells around the alveoli and causes milk ejection, also called let-down.

Correct answer: Oxytocin
  • A. The first two months of life
  • B. The first four months of life
  • C. The first six months of life
  • D. The first twelve months of life

Explanation: WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with no other foods or fluids routinely given to a healthy infant.

Correct answer: The first six months of life
  • A. Rooting and bringing the hands toward the mouth
  • B. Sleeping deeply with no response to touch
  • C. Crying continuously after becoming exhausted
  • D. Turning blue around the lips during a feed

Explanation: Rooting, hand-to-mouth movements and increased alertness are early hunger cues, so the mother can offer the breast before crying begins.

Correct answer: Rooting and bringing the hands toward the mouth
Fairly easy
  • A. Ibuprofen
  • B. Aspirin in repeated high doses
  • C. Methotrexate
  • D. Isotretinoin

Explanation: Ibuprofen has very low transfer into breast milk and is commonly used during breastfeeding when clinically appropriate.

Correct answer: Ibuprofen
Moderate
  • A. Express milk only when the breasts become painfully full
  • B. Express or breastfeed at intervals similar to the infant's usual feeds
  • C. Stop expressing until direct breastfeeding becomes possible
  • D. Drink extra tea instead of expressing milk regularly

Explanation: Regular milk removal maintains breast stimulation and helps preserve milk production during separation.

Correct answer: Express or breastfeed at intervals similar to the infant's usual feeds
  • A. The uterus contracts as oxytocin is released during feeding
  • B. The cervix opens again because milk enters the uterus
  • C. The bladder becomes overactive because prolactin rises
  • D. The pelvic infection causes pain whenever feeding begins

Explanation: Breastfeeding stimulates oxytocin release, which causes uterine contractions and normal afterpains as involution occurs.

Correct answer: The uterus contracts as oxytocin is released during feeding
Hard
  • A. Position her upright and call for emergency help
  • B. Encourage oral fluids and reassess her after 30 minutes
  • C. Assist her to walk slowly to improve circulation
  • D. Offer a warm drink and provide reassurance first

Explanation: Sudden breathlessness and chest pain may indicate pulmonary embolism, so breathing takes priority and emergency assistance is required.

Correct answer: Position her upright and call for emergency help
Moderate
  • A. Give hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin promptly, then support breastfeeding
  • B. Avoid breastfeeding until the mother completes antiviral treatment
  • C. Give oral antibiotics to the newborn before starting breastfeeding
  • D. Delay all newborn vaccines until the mother has a negative test

Explanation: A newborn exposed to hepatitis B should receive hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immunoglobulin promptly according to local protocol.

Correct answer: Give hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin promptly, then support breastfeeding
Moderate
  • A. Amenorrhoea, exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding, and an infant younger than six months
  • B. Regular menstruation, mixed feeding, and an infant younger than twelve months
  • C. Amenorrhoea, formula feeding, and an infant younger than nine months
  • D. Irregular menstruation, night feeds only, and an infant younger than six months

Explanation: The lactational amenorrhea method requires all three conditions: amenorrhoea, exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding, and a baby…

Correct answer: Amenorrhoea, exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding, and an infant younger than six months
  • A. The infant receives breast milk only, except for prescribed medicines or supplements
  • B. The infant receives breast milk and water between feeds during hot weather
  • C. The infant receives breast milk with one formula feed every night
  • D. The infant receives breast milk with honey after each daytime feed

Explanation: Exclusive breastfeeding means no other food or drink, including water, is given apart from prescribed medicines, vitamins or medically…

Correct answer: The infant receives breast milk only, except for prescribed medicines or supplements
Moderate
  • A. Help the newborn achieve a deep latch with as much areola as possible in the mouth
  • B. Tell the mother to scrub the nipples firmly before every feed
  • C. Advise routine separation of the newborn until the nipples protrude
  • D. Recommend stopping breastfeeding and giving formula until healing occurs

Explanation: Most newborns can breastfeed with flat or inverted nipples when the mouth takes in a deep portion of the areola.

Correct answer: Help the newborn achieve a deep latch with as much areola as possible in the mouth
  • A. Arrange prompt medical assessment for a possible breast abscess
  • B. Apply a tight breast binder and stop emptying the affected breast
  • C. Massage the lump forcefully until all pain and swelling disappear
  • D. Wait one week because localized breast lumps are always normal

Explanation: A fluctuant painful lump with fever suggests a breast abscess and requires prompt medical assessment for antibiotics and possible…

Correct answer: Arrange prompt medical assessment for a possible breast abscess
Moderate
  • A. Place the fingers behind the areola, press inward, and release rhythmically
  • B. Pull the nipple forward repeatedly until milk drips into the container
  • C. Squeeze the nipple tip continuously with the thumb and index finger
  • D. Rub the breast surface rapidly without touching the areola

Explanation: Hand expression uses a gentle inward and compressing motion behind the areola, repeated rhythmically around the breast.

Correct answer: Place the fingers behind the areola, press inward, and release rhythmically
Hard
  • A. Help her lie back safely and assess vital signs
  • B. Tell her to stand quickly so the dizziness passes
  • C. Leave her sitting while obtaining a routine discharge form
  • D. Encourage her to walk farther to improve circulation

Explanation: The immediate priority is safety because dizziness creates a fall risk and may indicate hypotension or blood loss.

Correct answer: Help her lie back safely and assess vital signs
  • A. Codeine
  • B. Paracetamol
  • C. Ibuprofen
  • D. Lidocaine gel

Explanation: Codeine is generally avoided during breastfeeding because maternal metabolism can produce high levels of morphine, causing infant sedation…

Correct answer: Codeine
Hard
  • A. Reassure her that these symptoms are normal postpartum blues
  • B. Arrange prompt mental health assessment and ask about self-harm
  • C. Advise her to stop breastfeeding until her mood improves
  • D. Encourage her to remain alone and avoid visitors for several days

Explanation: Persistent symptoms that impair daily functioning beyond the early postpartum period suggest postpartum depression rather than transient…

Correct answer: Arrange prompt mental health assessment and ask about self-harm
  • A. Stop breastfeeding until the cough and fever have completely resolved
  • B. Continue breastfeeding with hand hygiene and a mask if coughing
  • C. Express the milk and discard it during the entire illness
  • D. Give the newborn water temporarily to prevent transmission

Explanation: A common cold is not usually transmitted through breast milk, and breastfeeding can continue.

Correct answer: Continue breastfeeding with hand hygiene and a mask if coughing