Midwifery Exam Practice Questions Related

Review Midwifery Exam Practice Questions related questions and content

Icterus gravis and hydrops fetalis are conditions highly associated with:

  • A. Rhesus D incompatibility
  • B. ABO incompatibility
  • C. Physiological jaundice
  • D. Instant perinatal death
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rhesus D incompatibility. Icterus gravis and hydrops fetalis are conditions associated with hemolytic disease of the newborn, caused by Rhesus D incompatibility between the mother and fetus. This occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, leading to the production of antibodies by the mother that attack the baby's red blood cells. This can result in severe jaundice (icterus gravis) and excessive fluid accumulation in the fetus (hydrops fetalis).

Summary:
- Choice B (ABO incompatibility) is incorrect because it typically causes less severe jaundice and anemia compared to Rhesus D incompatibility.
- Choice C (Physiological jaundice) is incorrect as it is a common benign condition in newborns due to immature liver function.
- Choice D (Instant perinatal death) is incorrect as it does not specifically relate to the conditions mentioned.