Physiology of Labor: 10 Multiple Choice Questions

Physiology of Labor: 10 Multiple Choice Questions

This article aims to help you review your knowledge of the physiology of labor through 10 multiple-choice questions.

1. Choose the CORRECT statement regarding uterine contractions during labor:

A. They are called Braxton-Hicks contractions.

B. Their frequency remains unchanged throughout labor.

C. They usually start in one uterine horn and then spread across the entire uterus.

D. The average pressure inside the uterine cavity during a contraction is about 8-10mmHg.

Answer: C

Explanation: Uterine contractions during labor are different from Braxton-Hicks contractions, their frequency changes with the stages of labor, and they typically start in one uterine horn before spreading. The average pressure inside the uterine cavity during a contraction is much higher than 8-10mmHg.

2. During labor, the physiological constriction ring of the uterus is located at:

A. The internal os of the cervix.

B. The external os of the cervix.

C. The attachment point of the round ligament to the uterus.

D. The boundary between the upper body and the lower segment of the uterus.

Answer: D

Explanation: The physiological constriction ring is the boundary between the upper body and the lower segment of the uterus, where the uterus transitions from thick muscle to a thinner structure.

3. Choose the correct statement about Stage I of labor (the stage of cervical dilation and effacement):

A. From the time the cervix begins to efface until it is fully dilated.

B. From the time the cervix begins to efface until it is dilated to 3 cm.

C. From the time the cervix is fully effaced until it is dilated to 3 cm.

D. From the time the cervix is dilated to 3 cm until it is fully dilated.

Answer: A

Explanation: Stage I of labor lasts from the time the cervix begins to efface until it is fully dilated, including both the cervical effacement and dilation processes.

4. Which of the following symptoms is a valuable diagnostic criterion for labor:

A. Uterine contractions occurring at a frequency of 3 contractions per 10 minutes.

B. Changes in fetal heart rate (FHR).

C. Rupture of membranes (ROM).

D. Passage of a bloody show.

Answer: A

Explanation: Regular uterine contractions are the primary sign of labor. Other symptoms like changes in FHR, ROM, and passage of a bloody show may occur but are not specific indicators of labor.

5. During normal labor, the baseline fetal heart rate is:

A. 120 – 160 beats per minute (bpm)

B. 120 – 170 bpm

C. 100 – 160 bpm

D. 120 – 180 bpm

Answer: A

Explanation: The normal fetal heart rate during labor ranges from 120 to 160 bpm.

6. The strength of a uterine contraction is:

A. The contraction at its peak intensity.

B. The difference between the peak intensity and the lowest intensity of the contraction.

C. The average of the peak intensity and the lowest intensity.

D. The contraction intensity minus the baseline resting tone of the uterine muscle.

Answer: D

Explanation: The strength of a uterine contraction is the difference between the contraction intensity and the baseline resting tone of the uterine muscle.

7. Monitoring uterine contractions during labor for at least 10 minutes is to:

A. Determine the duration of each contraction.

B. Determine the interval between contractions.

C. Assess if the regularity of the contractions is appropriate for the stage of labor.

D. All of the above.

Answer: D

Explanation: Monitoring contractions for 10 minutes helps determine the duration of each contraction, the interval between them, and the regularity of the contractions, allowing for an assessment of labor progress.

8. According to Vietnamese National Standards, the minimum gestational age for a preterm labor delivery is:

A. 22 weeks.

B. 28 weeks.

C. 30 weeks.

D. 36 weeks.

Answer: A

Explanation: Preterm labor occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation. According to Vietnamese National Standards, the minimum gestational age for a preterm labor delivery that might result in a live birth is 22 weeks.

9. During the pushing stage of labor, the number of uterine contractions in 10 minutes is usually:

A. 3 contractions.

B. 4 contractions.

C. 5 contractions.

D. 6 contractions.

Answer: C

Explanation: During the pushing stage of labor, there are usually 5 contractions in 10 minutes.

10. Choose the most accurate statement regarding the maximum permissible time for Stage III (the placental delivery stage).

A. The placental delivery stage lasts for 15 to 30 minutes.

B. The placental delivery stage lasts for 1 hour.

C. The placental delivery stage can be awaited without intervention if there is no bleeding.

D. The placental delivery stage lasts from the time of delivery until the placenta is delivered, with a maximum time of 1 hour.

Answer: D

Explanation: Stage III of labor lasts a maximum of 1 hour. If the placenta has not delivered after 1 hour, intervention is necessary to prevent the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

This article presents only a small portion of knowledge about the physiology of labor. It’s essential to seek more information from credible sources for a comprehensive understanding.