Midwifery Exam Questions Related

Review Midwifery Exam Questions related questions and content

In obstructed labor, edema of the vulva presents early due to

  • A. Prolonged effort of the mother to push the baby
  • B. Pressure applied on cervix by the presenting part
  • C. An ill-fitting presenting part pressing on the cervix
  • D. Large presenting diameters stretching the vulva
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pressure applied on the cervix by the presenting part in obstructed labor leads to edema of the vulva. This pressure causes obstruction of blood and lymphatic flow in the area, resulting in swelling and edema. Prolonged effort by the mother (choice A) would not directly cause vulvar edema. An ill-fitting presenting part (choice C) may contribute to obstruction but does not explain the mechanism of edema. Large presenting diameters (choice D) stretching the vulva would not directly cause edema without pressure on the cervix.