Pregnancy Complications

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USMLE Step 2 CK › Pregnancy Complications

Questions 1 - 3
1

ED: 35-year-old G3P2 at 36 weeks has sudden abdominal pain and heavy vaginal bleeding; uterus firm, fetal tracing shows late decelerations. Next management step?

Administer tocolytics and observe for 24 hours

Order MRI pelvis to grade abruption severity

Perform digital cervical exam to assess dilation

Initiate maternal stabilization and urgent delivery

Schedule outpatient ultrasound to confirm placental location

Explanation

This question tests knowledge of pregnancy complications in obstetrics and gynecology, specifically the management of placental abruption with fetal distress. Understanding pregnancy complications involves recognizing clinical signs like sudden pain, heavy bleeding, firm uterus, and fetal heart rate abnormalities. In this scenario, specific details such as 36 weeks gestation, firm uterus, and late decelerations point towards abruption requiring urgent intervention. The correct answer, 'Initiate maternal stabilization and urgent delivery', aligns with guidelines for managing abruption with hemodynamic instability or fetal compromise. A common distractor might suggest 'Perform digital cervical exam to assess dilation', which is contraindicated due to risk of exacerbating bleeding. Teaching strategies include emphasizing rapid assessment and stabilization in obstetric emergencies. Practice applying these principles through case studies and simulations to improve recognition of abruption signs.

2

ED: 35-year-old G3P2 at 36 weeks with painful bleeding and hypertonic uterus; BP 90/55, HR 122. Most appropriate immediate intervention?

Give methotrexate to treat presumed ectopic pregnancy

Begin IV fluids, type and cross, and transfuse as needed

Perform digital exam to assess placenta previa

Order outpatient NST and follow up tomorrow

Administer terbutaline to relax the uterus

Explanation

This question tests knowledge of pregnancy complications in obstetrics and gynecology, specifically stabilizing hemorrhagic shock in abruption. Understanding pregnancy complications involves recognizing signs of hypovolemia and coagulopathy in abruption. In this scenario, specific details such as hypotension, tachycardia, painful bleeding, and hypertonic uterus require immediate resuscitation. The correct answer, 'Begin IV fluids, type and cross, and transfuse as needed', aligns with guidelines for maternal stabilization. A common distractor might suggest 'Administer terbutaline to relax the uterus', which does not address hemodynamic instability. Teaching strategies include emphasizing ABCs in obstetric emergencies. Practice applying these principles through case studies and simulations for rapid response.

3

L&D: 32-year-old G2P1 at 34 weeks with preeclampsia develops tonic-clonic seizure. Airway protected. Most effective immediate treatment?

IV magnesium sulfate bolus and infusion

Oral labetalol and observation

IV phenytoin loading dose

Immediate discharge after seizure resolves

IV diazepam as sole therapy

Explanation

This question tests knowledge of pregnancy complications in obstetrics and gynecology, specifically treating eclampsia seizures. Understanding pregnancy complications involves rapid administration of anticonvulsants in preeclampsia progression. In this scenario, specific details such as tonic-clonic seizure at 34 weeks require immediate therapy. The correct answer, 'IV magnesium sulfate bolus and infusion', aligns with guidelines as first-line for eclampsia. A common distractor might suggest 'IV diazepam as sole therapy', which is less effective long-term. Teaching strategies include emphasizing magnesium dosing and monitoring. Practice applying these principles through case studies and simulations for emergency response.