OB/GYN Emergencies Flashcards

A 32-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation presents with a sudden gush of fluid and you observe the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina. Your FIRST priority is to:

Answer: Elevate the presenting part off the cord and keep the cord moist

In cord prolapse, the EMT must manually elevate the presenting part off the cord to relieve compression while keeping the exposed cord moist and warm.

A patient in active labor delivers the baby's head but the shoulders fail to deliver after 60 seconds. Which maneuver should the EMT attempt first for shoulder dystocia?

Answer: McRoberts maneuver with suprapubic pressure

McRoberts maneuver (hyperflexing the thighs against the abdomen) combined with suprapubic pressure is the first-line intervention for shoulder dystocia in the prehospital setting.

A 26-year-old woman at 30 weeks gestation develops sudden severe headache, visual disturbances, and a blood pressure of 168/112 mmHg. This presentation is MOST consistent with:

Answer: Eclampsia prodrome / severe preeclampsia

Severe headache, visual changes, and BP ≥160/110 in a pregnant patient indicate severe preeclampsia or impending eclampsia, requiring urgent transport and seizure precautions.

Which of the following BEST describes the management of a patient experiencing eclamptic seizures in the field?

Answer: Protect airway, administer oxygen, position on left side, transport urgently

Field management of eclamptic seizures focuses on airway protection, supplemental oxygen, left lateral positioning to relieve aortocaval compression, and rapid transport.

A neonate delivered in the field has a heart rate of 80 bpm, weak respiratory effort, and central cyanosis at 1 minute of life. The NEXT step after positioning and warming is:

Answer: Provide positive-pressure ventilation at 40–60 breaths/min

A neonate with HR <100 bpm and inadequate respirations requires positive-pressure ventilation as the most critical resuscitation intervention.

Postpartum hemorrhage is MOST commonly caused by which of the following?

Answer: Uterine atony

Uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract after delivery) accounts for approximately 80% of postpartum hemorrhage cases.

When assessing a pregnant trauma patient, the EMT should prioritize which of the following positioning considerations?

Answer: Left lateral tilt of at least 15 degrees or manual uterine displacement to the left

After approximately 20 weeks gestation, the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava in the supine position; left tilt or manual displacement restores venous return.