Labor and Delivery # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which hormone plays the primary role in initiating uterine contractions during labor?

Progesterone
Oxytocin
Prolactin
Estrogen
Explanation - Oxytocin stimulates uterine smooth muscle contractions, facilitating the onset and progression of labor.
Correct answer is: Oxytocin

Q.2 What is the normal range of cervical dilation considered as the active phase of labor?

1–3 cm
3–5 cm
4–10 cm
6–12 cm
Explanation - The active phase of labor is defined as when the cervix dilates from about 4 cm to complete dilation (10 cm).
Correct answer is: 4–10 cm

Q.3 Which fetal presentation is considered normal for vaginal delivery?

Breech
Transverse
Cephalic
Shoulder
Explanation - The cephalic (head-first) presentation is the normal and safest presentation for vaginal delivery.
Correct answer is: Cephalic

Q.4 What term is used to describe the thinning and shortening of the cervix during labor?

Dilation
Effacement
Station
Engagement
Explanation - Effacement refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth.
Correct answer is: Effacement

Q.5 Which stage of labor ends with the complete dilation of the cervix?

First stage
Second stage
Third stage
Latent stage
Explanation - The first stage of labor is from the onset of true contractions to complete cervical dilation (10 cm).
Correct answer is: First stage

Q.6 What is the normal duration of the second stage of labor in a primigravida?

30 minutes
1 hour
2 hours
4 hours
Explanation - In primigravida (first pregnancy), the second stage can last up to 2 hours without epidural and longer with epidural.
Correct answer is: 2 hours

Q.7 Which clinical sign indicates placental separation?

Uterine relaxation
Cord shortening
Increased bleeding
Fundus descends
Explanation - Placental separation is indicated by cord lengthening, gush of blood, and a rising, firm uterus.
Correct answer is: Cord shortening

Q.8 What is the term for abnormal labor due to ineffective uterine contractions?

Dystocia
Preterm labor
Hyperemesis
Placenta previa
Explanation - Dystocia is defined as difficult labor, often caused by inadequate uterine contractions or mechanical issues.
Correct answer is: Dystocia

Q.9 Which pelvic type is considered most favorable for vaginal delivery?

Android
Anthropoid
Platypelloid
Gynecoid
Explanation - The gynecoid pelvis is the most favorable for vaginal delivery due to its rounded shape and wide dimensions.
Correct answer is: Gynecoid

Q.10 What is the ideal frequency of uterine contractions during active labor?

1 every 10 minutes
2–3 every 10 minutes
3–5 every 10 minutes
4–5 every 10 minutes
Explanation - Adequate contractions are defined as 3–5 contractions every 10 minutes to promote effective cervical dilation.
Correct answer is: 3–5 every 10 minutes

Q.11 Which of the following best describes the 'station' in obstetrics?

Cervical dilation
Cervical effacement
Fetal head position relative to ischial spines
Duration of contractions
Explanation - Station measures how far the fetal head has descended into the pelvis in relation to the ischial spines.
Correct answer is: Fetal head position relative to ischial spines

Q.12 Which intervention is most appropriate for shoulder dystocia during delivery?

Fundal pressure
McRoberts maneuver
Vacuum extraction
Uterine massage
Explanation - The McRoberts maneuver involves flexing the maternal thighs to widen the pelvic outlet during shoulder dystocia.
Correct answer is: McRoberts maneuver

Q.13 What is the normal fetal heart rate range during labor?

100–120 bpm
110–160 bpm
120–180 bpm
130–190 bpm
Explanation - A normal fetal heart rate is between 110–160 beats per minute, indicating adequate fetal oxygenation.
Correct answer is: 110–160 bpm

Q.14 Which term describes a labor that lasts longer than 20 hours in primigravida?

Preterm labor
Prolonged labor
Precipitous labor
False labor
Explanation - Prolonged labor is defined as labor lasting more than 20 hours in primigravida and more than 14 hours in multiparous women.
Correct answer is: Prolonged labor

Q.15 Which drug is commonly used for induction of labor?

Oxytocin
Progesterone
Magnesium sulfate
Methotrexate
Explanation - Oxytocin is the most widely used drug for labor induction due to its uterotonic properties.
Correct answer is: Oxytocin

Q.16 Which stage of labor involves delivery of the placenta?

First stage
Second stage
Third stage
Latent stage
Explanation - The third stage of labor begins after delivery of the baby and ends with delivery of the placenta.
Correct answer is: Third stage

Q.17 What is the common cause of postpartum hemorrhage?

Placenta previa
Uterine atony
Preeclampsia
Placental abruption
Explanation - Uterine atony, failure of the uterus to contract after delivery, is the leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct answer is: Uterine atony

Q.18 Which scoring system is used to assess cervical readiness for induction of labor?

APGAR score
Bishop score
Ballard score
Glasgow score
Explanation - The Bishop score evaluates cervical dilation, effacement, station, consistency, and position to determine readiness for induction.
Correct answer is: Bishop score

Q.19 What is the significance of late decelerations on fetal heart monitoring?

Head compression
Cord compression
Uteroplacental insufficiency
Normal finding
Explanation - Late decelerations suggest uteroplacental insufficiency, indicating compromised oxygen supply to the fetus.
Correct answer is: Uteroplacental insufficiency

Q.20 What is the average duration of the third stage of labor?

5 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Explanation - The third stage of labor usually lasts about 10 minutes but can extend up to 30 minutes.
Correct answer is: 10 minutes

Q.21 Which complication is most associated with prolonged rupture of membranes?

Preterm labor
Postpartum hemorrhage
Chorioamnionitis
Shoulder dystocia
Explanation - Prolonged rupture of membranes increases the risk of intrauterine infection, particularly chorioamnionitis.
Correct answer is: Chorioamnionitis

Q.22 What is the first-line management for uterine atony after delivery?

Manual removal of placenta
Oxytocin infusion
Cesarean section
Antibiotics
Explanation - Oxytocin is the first-line uterotonic agent used to stimulate uterine contractions and control atonic postpartum hemorrhage.
Correct answer is: Oxytocin infusion

Q.23 What does the term 'engagement' in obstetrics refer to?

Fetal head passing the pelvic brim
Cervical dilation
Uterine contraction pattern
Placental descent
Explanation - Engagement is the entry of the largest diameter of the fetal head into the pelvic brim.
Correct answer is: Fetal head passing the pelvic brim

Q.24 Which analgesia method provides the most effective pain relief during labor?

Nitrous oxide
Epidural anesthesia
Systemic opioids
Paracervical block
Explanation - Epidural anesthesia is the gold standard for labor analgesia, providing superior pain control.
Correct answer is: Epidural anesthesia

Q.25 Which maternal position is recommended during labor to improve uteroplacental blood flow?

Supine
Lithotomy
Left lateral
Trendelenburg
Explanation - Left lateral position reduces pressure on the inferior vena cava, enhancing maternal cardiac output and placental perfusion.
Correct answer is: Left lateral