NEET-PG 2012 - Obstetrics and Gynecology Practice Questions

Q: In which gestational weeks is Hegar's sign typically observed?

6 to 10 weeks. ***6 to 10 weeks*** - **Hegar's sign** is a softening of the lower uterine segment, which is a probable sign of pregnancy detected during a **bimanual examination**. - This softening typically becomes noticeable and palpable between **6 and 10 weeks of gestation** due to increased vascularity and edema in the area. *10-14 weeks* - While the uterus continues to soften and enlarge, **Hegar's sign** is usually established earlier, making it less specific or prominent for confirmation in this later window. - At this stage, other signs of pregnancy, such as a **palpable fetal outline** or **fetal heart tones**, become more readily apparent. *14-18 weeks* - By this gestational period, the uterus is significantly larger and has risen out of the pelvic cavity, making the specific assessment of the **lower uterine segment's compressibility** as an isolated sign less relevant. - **Fetal movements** (quickening) may also be felt during this time, serving as a more direct indicator of pregnancy. *18-22 weeks* - At these later weeks, the uterus is distinctly enlarged, and much of the diagnosis relies on **fundal height assessment** and further monitoring of fetal development. - **Hegar's sign** is a very early sign of pregnancy and would not be used for confirmation in this advanced stage.

Q: Vaginal pH before puberty is?

Neutral (around 7). ***Neutral (around 7)*** - Before puberty, the vagina lacks the influence of **estrogen**, which is essential for the colonization of **Lactobacillus** bacteria. - Without Lactobacillus, there is no significant production of lactic acid, resulting in a **neutral pH** environment. *Approximately 6* - A pH of approximately 6 is still slightly acidic but less so than a mature vagina. - This value is not typical for the prepubertal stage, which generally represents an environment without significant acidic production. *Approximately 4.5* - A pH of approximately 4.5 is characteristic of a **healthy, estrogenized adult vagina** where **Lactobacillus** bacteria produce lactic acid. - This acidic environment is crucial for protecting against pathogenic infections and is not found in prepubertal individuals. *Approximately 5* - A pH of approximately 5 is acidic, though less so than the optimal adult vaginal pH. - This value indicates some lactic acid production, which is minimal or absent before the onset of puberty.

Q: Gold standard technique for diagnosis of endometriosis?

Laparoscopy. ***Laparoscopy*** - **Laparoscopy** allows for direct visualization of endometrial implants and enables **biopsy confirmation**, making it the gold standard. - This minimally invasive surgical procedure is crucial for diagnosing, staging, and often treating endometriosis simultaneously. *Ca 125 level* - **CA-125** is a serum marker that can be elevated in endometriosis, but it is **not specific** and can be raised in other conditions like ovarian cancer or physiologic states. - It is primarily used for monitoring treatment response or recurrence, rather than as a primary diagnostic tool. *Ultrasound* - **Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS)** can identify endometriomas (chocolate cysts) and deep infiltrating endometriosis, but it cannot reliably visualize small peritoneal implants. - While it's a good initial imaging modality, its sensitivity for diagnosing all forms of endometriosis is **limited**. *MRI* - **MRI** offers better soft tissue contrast than ultrasound and can identify deep infiltrating endometriosis and some peritoneal implants, especially those involving the bowel or bladder. - However, MRI is **more expensive** and less accessible, and it still cannot definitively rule out all small, superficial endometrial lesions without direct visualization.

Q: The optimal timing for external cephalic version (ECV) is

36 weeks. ***36 weeks*** - At **36 weeks gestation**, there is still enough **amniotic fluid** and fetal size is not too large, which allows for successful manipulation. - This timing is particularly optimal for **multiparous women** according to **RCOG guidelines** (36-37 weeks). - This timing also minimizes the risk of **spontaneous reversion** back to a breech presentation before labor begins. - Balances adequate fetal maturity with sufficient uterine space for successful version. *34 weeks* - Performing an external cephalic version (ECV) at 34 weeks has a lower success rate and a higher chance of **spontaneous reversion** due to the smaller fetal size and relatively more amniotic fluid. - The chance of **spontaneous cephalic version** (natural turning) is still significant at this stage, making an earlier intervention potentially unnecessary. - Too early for routine ECV as many breech presentations spontaneously convert to cephalic before 36 weeks. *38 weeks* - By 38 weeks, the fetus is larger and there is proportionally less **amniotic fluid**, which makes successful external version more difficult and painful for the mother. - While **ACOG recommends 37-38 weeks**, the success rate decreases with advancing gestation due to reduced uterine space. - The risk of **uterine contractions** and iatrogenic induction of labor is higher at this gestation. *40 weeks* - At 40 weeks, the fetus is at term and much larger, occupying most of the uterine cavity, significantly reducing the chances of a successful external version. - The risk of complications such as **placental abruption**, **cord compression**, and premature labor is increased. - Success rates are markedly lower, making routine ECV at this stage generally not recommended.

Q: Cardiac output increases maximum at which week?

30-32 wks. ***30-32 wks*** - **Cardiac output** in healthy pregnant women typically reaches its maximum increase of **30-50%** above pre-pregnancy levels between **28 and 32 weeks** of gestation. - This peak output is sustained until term, primarily driven by a significant increase in **stroke volume** and a moderate increase in **heart rate**. *26-28 wks* - While cardiac output steadily rises throughout pregnancy, the **peak increase** is generally not observed as early as **26-28 weeks**. - At this stage, the increase is substantial but is still progressing towards its **maximum point**. *32-34 wks* - The maximal cardiac output is usually achieved **before** this period, typically by **32 weeks**. - From **32 weeks** onwards, cardiac output tends to **plateau**, not increase further. *34-36 wks* - By **34-36 weeks**, cardiac output has generally already reached its peak and **stabilized**. - There is typically no further increase in cardiac output during this timeframe; rather, it is maintained at its maximal level.

Q: In a 5-month pregnant female, which of the following statements regarding physiological changes is true?

80-90% have soft systolic murmur. ***80-90% have soft systolic murmur*** - The **increased blood volume** and **cardiac output** during pregnancy lead to increased flow across the aortic and pulmonic valves, often resulting in a **physiological systolic ejection murmur**. - This murmur is typically heard best at the **left sternal border** and usually resolves after delivery. *Cardiac output is reduced* - **Cardiac output actually increases** significantly during pregnancy, typically by 30-50%, to meet the metabolic demands of the fetus and placenta. - This increase is due to both an **increase in heart rate** and **stroke volume**. *Systemic vascular resistance is increased* - **Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreases** during pregnancy, primarily due to the **vasodilating effects of progesterone** and the creation of a **low-resistance placental circulation**. - The drop in SVR contributes to the physiological **decrease in blood pressure** often observed in mid-pregnancy. *Increase in CVP* - **Central venous pressure (CVP) typically remains unchanged or slightly decreases** during normal pregnancy. - While blood volume increases, the accompanying **vasodilation and decreased SVR** usually prevent a significant rise in CVP.

Q: 35 yr old with 4 months amenorrhea with increased FSH, decreased estrogen. What is the diagnosis?

Premature ovarian failure. ***Premature ovarian failure*** - The combination of **amenorrhea** for 4 months in a 35-year-old, with **increased FSH** and **decreased estrogen**, is characteristic of premature ovarian failure, indicating the ovaries are no longer responding to FSH stimulation. - This condition signifies the cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40, leading to menopausal symptoms and infertility. *Pituitary dysfunction* - Pituitary dysfunction might lead to **decreased FSH** (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) due to insufficient stimulation of the ovaries, not increased FSH. - In cases of pituitary adenomas, increased prolactin can cause amenorrhea, but FSH would not be elevated in the manner described. *Hypothalamic dysfunction* - Hypothalamic dysfunction, such as **functional hypothalamic amenorrhea**, typically presents with **low or normal FSH and LH levels** (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) due to reduced GnRH pulsatility. - This condition is often associated with stress, excessive exercise, or low body weight, and would not cause elevated FSH as seen here. *Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* - **Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)** is characterized by **anovulation**, resulting in amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, but typically involves **elevated androgens** and a **high LH-to-FSH ratio**, with FSH levels generally normal or low, and estrogen levels often normal or slightly elevated. - It would not present with simultaneously high FSH and low estrogen, which points to ovarian failure rather than anovulation with intact ovarian reserve.

Q: In a severely anaemic pregnant patient presenting with cardiac failure, what is the most appropriate choice of transfusion?

Exchange transfusion. ***Exchange transfusion*** - In **severe anaemia with cardiac failure**, exchange transfusion simultaneously **removes** and **replaces** blood volume, correcting anaemia without **net volume increase** that could worsen cardiac failure. - This procedure is the **safest option** as it avoids **fluid overload** while effectively improving **oxygen-carrying capacity** in cardiac-compromised pregnant patients. *Platelets* - **Platelets** are indicated for **thrombocytopenia** or **platelet dysfunction** to prevent bleeding, not for correcting anaemia. - They provide no benefit for **oxygen transport** or the underlying cause of cardiac failure in this anaemic patient. *Packed cells* - **Packed red blood cells** still add **net volume** to circulation, which can precipitate **pulmonary edema** and worsen cardiac failure despite slower infusion. - Even with **diuretics**, the risk of **fluid overload** remains significant in patients with pre-existing cardiac compromise. *Whole blood* - **Whole blood** contains **plasma volume** that significantly increases circulatory load, making it particularly dangerous in cardiac failure. - The large **volume expansion** can rapidly lead to **congestive heart failure** and **pulmonary edema** in already compromised patients.

Q: Which of the following statements about the postmenopausal state is false?

Low LH. ***Low LH*** - This statement is **FALSE** because **LH (luteinizing hormone) levels are markedly elevated** in postmenopausal women. - The drop in ovarian estrogen production removes the **negative feedback** on the pituitary, leading to **increased LH and FSH secretion**. - Both gonadotropins (LH and FSH) are characteristically **high in postmenopause**. *High FSH* - This statement is true; **FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels are markedly elevated** in postmenopausal women. - The elevated FSH is a direct consequence of the **lack of negative feedback** from inhibin and estrogen produced by the ovaries. *Low estrogen* - This statement is true; **estrogen levels plummet significantly** after menopause due to the **cessation of ovarian follicular activity**. - This **estrogen deficiency** is responsible for many postmenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and bone loss. *High androgen* - While androgens are still produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries postmenopause, their **absolute levels also decline with age**. - The statement is somewhat ambiguous, but androgens do **not increase** in absolute terms; rather, the **estrogen-to-androgen ratio changes** because estrogen falls more dramatically.

Q: 6 year old son of pregnant woman is suffering from chicken pox. Which of the following is given to pregnant woman?

Only immunoglobulin. ***Only immunoglobulin*** - Giving **immunoglobulin** to a pregnant woman exposed to **chickenpox** provides immediate passive immunity, which is crucial as she is at risk of infection from her child. - This is particularly important because chickenpox during pregnancy can lead to severe maternal disease and congenital varicella syndrome in the fetus. *Acyclovir + immunoglobulin* - **Acyclovir** is an antiviral that treats active varicella infection but is not typically given prophylactically in combination with immunoglobulin for exposure unless the woman is already immunocompromised or develops symptoms. - The primary goal for exposed pregnant women is preventing infection through passive immunity, not immediately treating a potential infection. *Vaccination* - **Varicella vaccine** is a live attenuated vaccine and is **contraindicated** during pregnancy due to the theoretical risk of fetal infection. - It is used for pre-conception immunity or post-exposure prophylaxis in non-pregnant individuals if given within a short window, but not for pregnant women. *Acyclovir* - **Acyclovir** is an antiviral medicine used to treat active chickenpox infections, not to prevent infection immediately after exposure. - It would be considered if the pregnant woman develops symptoms of chickenpox, but not as a primary prophylactic measure in this scenario.

Question 1

In which gestational weeks is Hegar's sign typically observed?

Accepted Answer

6 to 10 weeks

Answer

10-14 weeks

Answer

14-18 weeks

Answer

18-22 weeks

Question 2

Vaginal pH before puberty is?

Accepted Answer

Neutral (around 7)

Answer

Approximately 6

Answer

Approximately 4.5

Answer

Approximately 5

Question 3

Gold standard technique for diagnosis of endometriosis?

Accepted Answer

Laparoscopy

Answer

Ca 125 level

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

MRI

Question 4

The optimal timing for external cephalic version (ECV) is

Accepted Answer

36 weeks

Answer

34 weeks

Answer

38 weeks

Answer

40 weeks

Question 5

Cardiac output increases maximum at which week?

Accepted Answer

30-32 wks

Answer

26-28 wks

Answer

34-36 wks

Answer

32-34 wks

Question 6

In a 5-month pregnant female, which of the following statements regarding physiological changes is true?

Accepted Answer

80-90% have soft systolic murmur

Answer

Cardiac output is reduced

Answer

Systemic vascular resistance is increased

Answer

Increase in CVP

Question 7

35 yr old with 4 months amenorrhea with increased FSH, decreased estrogen. What is the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Premature ovarian failure

Answer

Pituitary dysfunction

Answer

Hypothalamic dysfunction

Answer

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Question 8

In a severely anaemic pregnant patient presenting with cardiac failure, what is the most appropriate choice of transfusion?

Accepted Answer

Exchange transfusion

Answer

Platelets

Answer

Packed cells

Answer

Whole blood

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the postmenopausal state is false?

Accepted Answer

Low LH

Answer

High FSH

Answer

Low estrogen

Answer

High androgen

Question 10

6 year old son of pregnant woman is suffering from chicken pox. Which of the following is given to pregnant woman?

Accepted Answer

Only immunoglobulin

Answer

Acyclovir + immunoglobulin

Answer

Vaccination

Answer

Acyclovir

NEET-PG 2012 — Obstetrics and Gynecology