Labour: vacuum extraction: 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.

Try it

OBG · Labour: vacuum extraction

Sample item

Ventouse (vacuum) extraction is contraindicated in which situation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Gestational age below 34 weeks

Vacuum is avoided before 34 weeks because of the risk of intracranial haemorrhage and cephalohaematoma. It is also contraindicated in face or brow presentation, bleeding disorders and an unengaged head. Complications include cephalohaematoma, subgaleal haemorrhage and retinal haemorrhage.

Option by option

  • A. Maternal exhaustion

    Maternal exhaustion is an indication.

  • B. Occipitoanterior position with engaged head

    An engaged occipitoanterior head is ideal.

  • C. Gestational age below 34 weeks (correct)

    Correct. Preterm fetuses have fragile skulls and vessels.

  • D. Prolonged second stage with vertex presentation

    Prolonged second stage is an indication.

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, Gestational age below 34 weeks. Vacuum is avoided before 34 weeks because of the risk of intracranial haemorrhage and cephalohaematoma.

Why is "Maternal exhaustion" not the answer?

Maternal exhaustion is an indication.

Why is "Occipitoanterior position with engaged head" not the answer?

An engaged occipitoanterior head is ideal.

Why is "Prolonged second stage with vertex presentation" not the answer?

Prolonged second stage is an indication.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: vacuum extraction in OBG. It is also contraindicated in face or brow presentation, bleeding disorders and an unengaged head. Complications include cephalohaematoma, subgaleal haemorrhage and retinal haemorrhage.

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: vacuum extraction?

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.