Obstetric emergencies: 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 · Obstetric emergencies

Sample item

A woman at term in labour, cervix 5 cm dilated, has spontaneous rupture of membranes followed by fetal bradycardia. A pulsating loop of cord is felt in the vagina. What is the most appropriate management?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Relieve cord compression and arrange immediate caesarean section

This is overt cord prolapse, where compression of the cord threatens fetal oxygen supply. Relieving compression by elevating the presenting part and positioning the mother buys time. With the cervix not fully dilated, urgent caesarean section is needed.

Option by option

  • A. Relieve cord compression and arrange immediate caesarean section (correct)

    Correct. It relieves cord compression until the baby is delivered rapidly.

  • B. Augment labour with oxytocin

    Oxytocin increases contractions and cord compression.

  • C. Push the cord back into the uterus and continue labour

    Replacing the cord is ineffective and it will prolapse again.

  • D. Wait for full dilatation and perform a forceps delivery

    Waiting for full dilatation exposes the fetus to prolonged hypoxia.

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 A, Relieve cord compression and arrange immediate caesarean section. This is overt cord prolapse, where compression of the cord threatens fetal oxygen supply.

Why is "Augment labour with oxytocin" not the answer?

Oxytocin increases contractions and cord compression.

Why is "Push the cord back into the uterus and continue labour" not the answer?

Replacing the cord is ineffective and it will prolapse again.

Why is "Wait for full dilatation and perform a forceps delivery" not the answer?

Waiting for full dilatation exposes the fetus to prolonged hypoxia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Obstetric emergencies in OBG. Relieving compression by elevating the presenting part and positioning the mother buys time. With the cervix not fully dilated, urgent caesarean section is needed.

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 Obstetric emergencies?

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.