Question Easy:
A 30-year-old woman presents with a positive pregnancy test and books an appointment for her first antenatal visit. According to NICE guidelines, how many weeks’ gestation should her first antenatal appointment with a midwife ideally occur?
A) 6 weeks
B) 8 weeks
C) 10 weeks
D) 12 weeks
E) 14 weeks
Question Medium:
A 35-year-old woman at 28 weeks of gestation presents with symptoms of headache, visual changes, and epigastric pain. Her blood pressure is 160/110 mmHg and urinalysis shows proteinuria (3+). What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Gestational hypertension
B) Preeclampsia
C) Eclampsia
D) Chronic hypertension
E) HELLP syndrome
Question Hard:
A 25-year-old woman attends the emergency department with severe lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. She mentions she has an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in place. An ultrasound scan reveals an empty uterine cavity and free fluid in the pelvis. Which is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Ectopic pregnancy
B) Threatened miscarriage
C) Complete miscarriage
D) Hydatidiform mole
E) Pelvic inflammatory disease
Explanations & Answers:
Question Easy Answer: C) 10 weeks
Question Easy Explanation: The first routine antenatal appointment should occur by 10 weeks’ gestation, as per NICE guidelines. This ensures timely screening for conditions like Down’s syndrome and supports healthy start for both mother and child. 🤰
Question Medium Answer: B) Preeclampsia
Question Medium Explanation: Preeclampsia typically presents after 20 weeks with hypertension, proteinuria, and often other systemic symptoms like headache and epigastric pain. It requires careful monitoring and management due to risks to both mother and baby. 🩺
Question Hard Answer: A) Ectopic pregnancy
Question Hard Explanation: Severe pain, bleeding, and an empty uterine cavity with free pelvic fluid in a woman with an IUCD suggest ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies require urgent attention due to risk of rupture and haemorrhage. 🚨
Medical fact of the day: The UK has one of the highest caesarean section rates in Europe, with around 25% of births being C-sections. Awareness and advancements in surgical techniques have improved maternal and neonatal outcomes significantly.
Quote of the day: “In the compassion of care lies the soul’s strength, nurturing not just the body but the spirit of life’s journey.” 🌟