Labour: asynclitism: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Labour: asynclitism

Sample item

During labour a vaginal examination shows that the sagittal suture of the fetal head lies closer to the sacral promontory than to the symphysis pubis. What is this called?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Anterior asynclitism (Naegele obliquity)

When the sagittal suture lies nearer the sacral promontory, the anterior parietal bone presents and the condition is anterior asynclitism (Naegele obliquity). When the suture lies near the symphysis, the posterior parietal bone presents, known as posterior asynclitism (Litzmann obliquity). Mild asynclitism is normal as the head enters the pelvis, but marked posterior asynclitism may cause arrest.

Option by option

  • A. Anterior asynclitism (Naegele obliquity) (correct)

    Correct. The suture near the promontory means anterior parietal presentation, Naegele obliquity.

  • B. Deflexion attitude

    Deflexion refers to degree of flexion, not lateral tilt.

  • C. Synclitism

    In synclitism the suture lies midway between the promontory and the symphysis.

  • D. Posterior asynclitism (Litzmann obliquity)

    Litzmann obliquity has the suture closer to the symphysis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More OBG questions

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is A, Anterior asynclitism (Naegele obliquity). When the sagittal suture lies nearer the sacral promontory, the anterior parietal bone presents and the condition is anterior asynclitism (Naegele obliquity).

Why is "Deflexion attitude" not the answer?

Deflexion refers to degree of flexion, not lateral tilt.

Why is "Synclitism" not the answer?

In synclitism the suture lies midway between the promontory and the symphysis.

Why is "Posterior asynclitism (Litzmann obliquity)" not the answer?

Litzmann obliquity has the suture closer to the symphysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: asynclitism in OBG. When the suture lies near the symphysis, the posterior parietal bone presents, known as posterior asynclitism (Litzmann obliquity). Mild asynclitism is normal as the head enters the pelvis, but marked posterior asynclitism may cause arrest.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Labour: asynclitism?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.