Postpartum haemorrhage and emergencies: external aortic compression: 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 · Postpartum haemorrhage and emergencies: external aortic compression

Sample item

While theatre is being prepared for atonic postpartum haemorrhage with shock, which temporising manoeuvre can reduce pelvic blood flow?

APressing on both femoral arteries at the groinBCompressing the inferior vena cava below the umbilicusCPressing a closed fist on the abdominal aorta against the spine above the umbilicusDVigorously shaking the uterine fundus

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pressing a closed fist on the abdominal aorta against the spine above the umbilicus

External aortic compression, applied through the abdominal wall just above the umbilicus, reduces blood flow to the uterus until definitive treatment. The femoral pulse is felt to check effectiveness. It is a temporising measure used alongside resuscitation.

Option by option

A. Pressing on both femoral arteries at the groin
Femoral compression does not stop uterine arterial flow, which arises higher in the pelvis.
B. Compressing the inferior vena cava below the umbilicus
Compressing the vena cava reduces venous return and worsens shock.
C. Pressing a closed fist on the abdominal aorta against the spine above the umbilicus (correct)
Correct. Aortic compression slows pelvic inflow while help is organised.
D. Vigorously shaking the uterine fundus
Shaking the fundus does not control bleeding and can cause inversion.

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.

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is C, Pressing a closed fist on the abdominal aorta against the spine above the umbilicus. External aortic compression, applied through the abdominal wall just above the umbilicus, reduces blood flow to the uterus until definitive treatment.

Why is "Pressing on both femoral arteries at the groin" not the answer?

Femoral compression does not stop uterine arterial flow, which arises higher in the pelvis.

Why is "Compressing the inferior vena cava below the umbilicus" not the answer?

Compressing the vena cava reduces venous return and worsens shock.

Why is "Vigorously shaking the uterine fundus" not the answer?

Shaking the fundus does not control bleeding and can cause inversion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Postpartum haemorrhage and emergencies: external aortic compression in OBG. The femoral pulse is felt to check effectiveness. It is a temporising measure used alongside resuscitation.

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 Postpartum haemorrhage and emergencies: external aortic compression?

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.