Puerperium: subinvolution: 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 · Puerperium: subinvolution

Sample item

A woman 3 weeks postpartum has persistent bleeding with a soft, bulky, tender uterus. What is the commonest cause of subinvolution?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Retained products of conception with infection

Subinvolution is delayed return of the uterus to its non-pregnant size, usually from retained placental fragments, infection or fibroids. Treatment is ergometrine, antibiotics and evacuation if retained tissue is shown on ultrasound.

Option by option

  • A. Hypothyroidism

    Hypothyroidism is not typical.

  • B. Retained products of conception with infection (correct)

    Correct. Retained products and infection are the usual causes.

  • C. Anaemia

    Anaemia does not cause subinvolution.

  • D. Breastfeeding

    Breastfeeding actually promotes involution.

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 B, Retained products of conception with infection. Subinvolution is delayed return of the uterus to its non-pregnant size, usually from retained placental fragments, infection or fibroids.

Why is "Hypothyroidism" not the answer?

Hypothyroidism is not typical.

Why is "Anaemia" not the answer?

Anaemia does not cause subinvolution.

Why is "Breastfeeding" not the answer?

Breastfeeding actually promotes involution.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Puerperium: subinvolution in OBG. Treatment is ergometrine, antibiotics and evacuation if retained tissue is shown on ultrasound.

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 Puerperium: subinvolution?

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.