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 8 of 23

Very hard
  • A. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy
  • B. HELLP syndrome
  • C. Gestational thrombocytopenia
  • D. Intrahepatic cholestasis

Explanation: HELLP means haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets, and it is associated with severe hypertensive disease.

Correct answer: HELLP syndrome
Moderate
  • A. Cervical insufficiency
  • B. Placental abruption
  • C. Preterm labour
  • D. Threatened miscarriage

Explanation: Cervical insufficiency causes painless cervical shortening or dilatation, often leading to a second-trimester loss or early preterm birth.

Correct answer: Cervical insufficiency
  • A. Congenital cataracts
  • B. Fetal or neonatal infection
  • C. Maternal red-cell sensitisation
  • D. Neural tube closure defect

Explanation: Listeria infection during pregnancy can cross the placenta and cause fetal loss, preterm birth, stillbirth or serious neonatal infection.

Correct answer: Fetal or neonatal infection
Very hard
  • A. Hydrocephalus with intracranial calcifications
  • B. Bilateral renal agenesis with anhydramnios
  • C. Limb shortening with absent long bones
  • D. Persistent fetal tachycardia without structural changes

Explanation: Congenital toxoplasmosis is classically associated with hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications and chorioretinitis.

Correct answer: Hydrocephalus with intracranial calcifications
  • A. Well-controlled hypothyroidism
  • B. Gestational diabetes mellitus
  • C. Iron deficiency anaemia
  • D. Mild physiological leukocytosis

Explanation: Maternal diabetes can cause fetal hyperglycaemia and increased fetal urine production, contributing to polyhydramnios.

Correct answer: Gestational diabetes mellitus
Hard
  • A. To destroy maternal platelets
  • B. To prevent maternal Rh sensitisation
  • C. To increase fetal red-cell production
  • D. To treat established fetal anaemia

Explanation: Abdominal trauma can allow fetal red cells to enter the maternal circulation.

Correct answer: To prevent maternal Rh sensitisation
  • A. Chronic hypertension alone
  • B. Superimposed pre-eclampsia
  • C. Gestational hypertension
  • D. White-coat hypertension

Explanation: New proteinuria and maternal organ dysfunction in a woman with chronic hypertension suggest pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic…

Correct answer: Superimposed pre-eclampsia
Moderate
  • A. Complete miscarriage
  • B. Incomplete miscarriage
  • C. Missed miscarriage
  • D. Threatened miscarriage

Explanation: Incomplete miscarriage occurs when some, but not all, products of conception have been expelled, with continued bleeding and an open…

Correct answer: Incomplete miscarriage
  • A. Congenital limb deformity
  • B. Perinatal hepatitis B infection
  • C. Neonatal iron deficiency
  • D. Congenital hypothyroidism

Explanation: Hepatitis B can pass from mother to infant, particularly around the time of birth, and may lead to chronic infection in the newborn.

Correct answer: Perinatal hepatitis B infection
Moderate
  • A. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
  • B. Atopic dermatitis of pregnancy
  • C. Impetigo of pregnancy
  • D. Contact dermatitis from clothing

Explanation: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy commonly causes severe pruritus on the palms and soles without a primary rash and may increase fetal…

Correct answer: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
  • A. It remains reliable until menstruation returns or the infant reaches 6 months
  • B. It remains reliable until breastfeeding becomes less frequent after 12 months
  • C. It prevents pregnancy even when regular formula feeds are given
  • D. It requires the mother to record her basal temperature every morning

Explanation: LAM is effective only when all three conditions are present: amenorrhoea, exclusive or nearly exclusive breastfeeding, and an infant…

Correct answer: It remains reliable until menstruation returns or the infant reaches 6 months
  • A. Copper intrauterine device
  • B. Combined oral contraceptive pill
  • C. Male external condom
  • D. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate

Explanation: External condoms provide a physical barrier that reduces transmission of HIV and many sexually transmitted infections.

Correct answer: Male external condom
  • A. Advise her to continue the pills and take extra iron
  • B. Stop the combined pill and refer her for another method
  • C. Tell her to double the pill dose during each headache
  • D. Reassure her that this is an expected harmless effect

Explanation: Visual symptoms followed by headache suggest migraine with aura, in which combined estrogen-containing contraception is generally…

Correct answer: Stop the combined pill and refer her for another method
  • A. Irregular bleeding may occur, and return of fertility can be delayed
  • B. It protects against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
  • C. It must be taken every day at the same time to work
  • D. It usually causes immediate permanent infertility after one injection

Explanation: Irregular bleeding is common with injectable progestin contraception, and the return to fertility may be delayed after stopping it.

Correct answer: Irregular bleeding may occur, and return of fertility can be delayed
Moderate
  • A. It releases progestin that mainly prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus
  • B. It releases copper that destroys sperm and changes the uterine lining
  • C. It blocks the fallopian tubes by causing permanent scarring
  • D. It prevents implantation by removing the monthly menstrual lining

Explanation: Hormonal implants continuously release a progestin that suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, which limits sperm passage.

Correct answer: It releases progestin that mainly prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus
Very hard
  • A. Copper intrauterine device
  • B. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
  • C. Routine combined oral pills for one month
  • D. Tubal sterilisation at the next menstrual period

Explanation: A copper intrauterine device can be inserted within 5 days of unprotected intercourse and is the most effective emergency contraceptive…

Correct answer: Copper intrauterine device
  • A. Progestin-only implant
  • B. Combined estrogen-progestin pill
  • C. Combined contraceptive vaginal ring
  • D. Combined estrogen-progestin patch

Explanation: A progestin-only implant can be used postpartum and is compatible with breastfeeding.

Correct answer: Progestin-only implant
Moderate
  • A. Mild cramps during the first day after insertion
  • B. Light spotting during the first few months
  • C. Fever with lower abdominal tenderness and foul discharge
  • D. A menstrual period that is slightly heavier than usual

Explanation: Fever, pelvic pain and foul discharge suggest pelvic infection and require prompt assessment and treatment.

Correct answer: Fever with lower abdominal tenderness and foul discharge
  • A. It protects against sexually transmitted infections for life
  • B. It is intended to be permanent and should be chosen voluntarily
  • C. It can be reversed easily whenever pregnancy is desired
  • D. It prevents pregnancy by stopping menstrual bleeding permanently

Explanation: Tubal sterilisation is intended to be permanent, so informed and voluntary consent is essential before the procedure.

Correct answer: It is intended to be permanent and should be chosen voluntarily
  • A. Dry vulva with no change in cervical secretions
  • B. Thick, cloudy mucus that feels sticky
  • C. Clear, slippery mucus that stretches between the fingers
  • D. Mucus that appears only after menstruation has ended

Explanation: Near ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery and stretchy because of rising estrogen.

Correct answer: Clear, slippery mucus that stretches between the fingers