Free Obstetric Emergencies MCQs with Answers

50 Obstetric Emergencies 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.

Acute threats to the mother or fetus include postpartum haemorrhage, eclampsia, shock, cord prolapse, shoulder dystocia, uterine rupture, amniotic fluid embolism and fetal distress. The subject covers rapid assessment, airway and circulation support, emergency medicines, positioning, preparation for assisted or operative birth, and coordinated referral.

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50 questions · page 2 of 3

  • 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