Labour: fetal blood sampling: 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: fetal blood sampling

Sample item

Which fetal scalp blood pH is considered abnormal and an indication for urgent delivery?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Below 7.20

A fetal scalp pH of 7.25 or above is normal, 7.20 to 7.24 is borderline and requires repeat sampling within 30 minutes, and below 7.20 is abnormal and needs delivery. Lactate measurement is an alternative.

Option by option

  • A. 7.40

    7.40 is normal.

  • B. 7.45

    7.45 is normal or mildly alkalotic.

  • C. Below 7.20 (correct)

    Correct. pH below 7.20 indicates significant acidosis.

  • D. 7.30

    7.30 is normal.

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, Below 7.20. A fetal scalp pH of 7.

Why is "7.40" not the answer?

7.40 is normal.

Why is "7.45" not the answer?

7.45 is normal or mildly alkalotic.

Why is "7.30" not the answer?

7.30 is normal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: fetal blood sampling in OBG. 25 or above is normal, 7.20 to 7.24 is borderline and requires repeat sampling within 30 minutes, and below 7.20 is abnormal and needs delivery. Lactate measurement is an alternative.

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 Labour: fetal blood sampling?

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.