CPM Emergency Obstetric Complications

Question 1

Which maneuver is the first-line intervention for shoulder dystocia?

Accepted Answer

McRoberts maneuver with suprapubic pressure

Answer

The McRoberts maneuver (hyperflexion of maternal thighs) combined with suprapubic pressure is the first-line intervention for shoulder dystocia, resolving the majority of cases without further maneuvers.

Question 2

According to standard obstetric guidelines, postpartum hemorrhage is defined as blood loss exceeding:

Accepted Answer

500 mL after vaginal delivery or 1,000 mL after cesarean

Answer

PPH is defined as blood loss greater than 500 mL after vaginal delivery or greater than 1,000 mL after cesarean section, or any blood loss causing hemodynamic instability.

Question 3

A client at 38 weeks gestation develops sudden severe headache, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain at a planned homebirth. The MOST appropriate immediate action is:

Accepted Answer

Initiate emergency transport to the hospital immediately

Answer

Severe headache, visual disturbances, and epigastric pain together are warning signs of impending eclampsia, requiring immediate emergency transport to a facility capable of managing this obstetric emergency.

Question 4

Uterine atony, the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage, is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Failure of the uterus to contract adequately after delivery of the placenta

Answer

Uterine atony is the failure of the uterus to contract and retract after placental delivery, accounting for approximately 70–80% of all postpartum hemorrhage cases.

Question 5

When a prolapsed umbilical cord is identified at a homebirth, the CPM's priority intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Elevate the presenting part off the cord and initiate emergency transport immediately

Answer

Relieving pressure on the prolapsed cord by manually elevating the presenting part while initiating immediate emergency transport is the priority, as this is a life-threatening emergency requiring emergent cesarean.

CPM - Certified Professional Midwife Practice Test

CPM - Certified Professional Midwife Practice Test

CPM Emergency Obstetric Complications