Free Normal Labour and Delivery MCQs with Answers
50 Normal Labour and Delivery MCQs from Midwifery and Obstetric Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Normal labour covers the onset and stages of labour, cervical effacement and dilatation, fetal lie and presentation, the cardinal movements, and maternal and fetal monitoring. It includes partograph use, pain relief, normal vaginal birth, active management of the third stage, placental assessment and immediate care after delivery.
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50 questions · page 3 of 3
41. A woman in labour has thick green liquor after rupture of the membranes. What should the nurse do?
- 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.
Correct answer: Report the finding and increase fetal surveillance- 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.
Correct answer: Push with the contraction and breathe normally between contractions- 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.
Correct answer: Marked molding and possible difficulty with descent- 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.
Correct answer: Face presentation- 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.
Correct answer: Turn her to a lateral position and reassess her circulation- 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.
Correct answer: Dry the newborn thoroughly and cover the head- 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.
Correct answer: Inspect the perineum and birth canal for lacerations- 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.
Correct answer: Brief accelerations associated with fetal movement- A. Oxytocin
- B. Magnesium sulfate
- C. Terbutaline
- D. Diazepam
Explanation: Oxytocin promotes firm uterine contraction and helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage after birth.
Correct answer: Oxytocin- 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.
Correct answer: Assess for a concealed perineal haematoma and report urgently