Intrapartum care: shoulder dystocia: 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 · Intrapartum care: shoulder dystocia

Sample item

After delivery of the fetal head, it retracts against the perineum and the shoulders fail to deliver with gentle traction. What is the first-line obstetric maneuver?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. McRoberts maneuver

Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency. Hyperflexion of the maternal hips in the McRoberts maneuver, often with suprapubic pressure, is an initial response; fundal pressure should be avoided.

Option by option

  • A. Vacuum extraction of the head

    Vacuum extraction is not used after the head has delivered.

  • B. Manual removal of placenta

    Placental removal is unrelated to the impacted shoulders.

  • C. McRoberts maneuver (correct)

    Correct. McRoberts increases pelvic dimensions and is first-line.

  • D. Fundal pressure

    Fundal pressure can worsen impaction and risks injury.

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 C, McRoberts maneuver. Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency.

Why is "Vacuum extraction of the head" not the answer?

Vacuum extraction is not used after the head has delivered.

Why is "Manual removal of placenta" not the answer?

Placental removal is unrelated to the impacted shoulders.

Why is "Fundal pressure" not the answer?

Fundal pressure can worsen impaction and risks injury.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Intrapartum care: shoulder dystocia in OBG. Hyperflexion of the maternal hips in the McRoberts maneuver, often with suprapubic pressure, is an initial response; fundal pressure should be avoided.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Intrapartum care: shoulder dystocia?

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.