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Question 1
Correct
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In normal pregnancy, the value of β-hCG doubles every:
Your Answer: 2 days
Explanation:During early pregnancy, hCG can be detected in the maternal serum as early as 6 to 8 days after fertilization. hCG levels are dynamically increased and doubled every 48 h in most normal pregnancies, and this pattern is similar in both in vivo or in vitro (IVF) conceptions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 2
Correct
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The maternal blood volume in normal pregnancy:
Your Answer: Increases up to 40%
Explanation:Changes in the cardiovascular system in pregnancy are profound and begin early in pregnancy, such that by eight weeks’ gestation, the cardiac output has already increased by 20%. The primary event is probably peripheral vasodilatation. This is mediated by endothelium-dependent factors, including nitric oxide synthesis, upregulated by oestradiol and possibly vasodilatory prostaglandins (PGI2). Peripheral vasodilation leads to a 25–30% fall in systemic vascular resistance, and to compensate for this, cardiac output increases by around 40% during pregnancy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 3
Correct
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The following ultrasonic measurements may be used to confirm or establish gestational age:
Your Answer: Crown rump length
Explanation:Fetal ultrasound scanning is considered an essential part of routine antenatal care with first trimester scans recommended for confirming viability, accurate estimation of gestational age and determining the number of foetuses. Fetal crown-rump length (CRL) is measured in early pregnancy primarily to determine the gestation age (GA) of a foetus and is most reliable between 9+0 to 13+6 weeks’ gestation, but not beyond.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 4
Correct
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During the inflammatory phase of wound healing what is the predominant cell type found in the wound during days 3-4?
Your Answer: Macrophages
Explanation:Wound healing is initiated when inflammation begins. Macrophages predominate after neutrophils and peak 3-4 days after inflammation begins. They destroy and phagocytose the organism and debris using enzymes. The next step is the resolution of inflammation and healing of the wound.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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In the absence of any gross pelvic abnormality, cephalopelvic disproportion can be correctly diagnosed by?
Your Answer: Pelvic examination
Correct Answer: Trial of labour
Explanation:Cephalo-pelvic disproportion exists when the capacity of the pelvis is inadequate to allow the foetus to negotiate the birth canal. This may be due to a small pelvis, a nongynecoid pelvic formation, a large foetus, an unfavourable orientation of the foetus, or a combination of these factors. Diagnosis of CPD may be made when there is failure to progress, but not all cases of prolonged labour are the result of CPD. Use of ultrasound to measure the size of the foetus in the womb is controversial, as these methods are often inaccurate and may lead to unnecessary caesarean section; a trial of labour is often recommended even if size of the foetus is estimated to be large.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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During normal pregnancy, a weight gain is anticipated. The average weight gain is approximately:
Your Answer: 5-10 kg
Correct Answer: 10-15 kg
Explanation:Institute of Medicine Weight Gain Recommendations for Pregnancy: Recommends a gestational weight gain of 16.8–24.5 kg (37–54 lb) for women of normal weight, 14.1–22.7 kg (31–50 lb) for overweight women, and 11.3–19.1 kg (25–42 lb) for obese women.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Normally, pregnancy in 2nd trimester is characterized by all of the following, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Decreased fasting plasma glucose
Correct Answer: Elevated fasting plasma glucose
Explanation:Elevated fasting plasma glucose means gestational diabetes mellitus and is not considered to be in the spectrum of a normal pregnancy. In normal pregnancy however, maternal tissues become progressively insensitive to insulin. This is believed to be caused partly by hormones from the placenta and partly by other obesity and pregnancy related factors that are not fully understood. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs in about 5% of pregnancies but figures vary considerably depending upon the criteria used and demographic characteristics of the population.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 8
Correct
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All of the following statements regarding human chorionic gonadotrophin are true except::
Your Answer: It's level doubles every 48 hours in ectopic pregnancy
Explanation:In normal pregnancy the levels of hCG doubles after every 48-72 hours but in case of ectopic pregnancy the levels of hCG are lower than the normal. It is produced by the placenta and its main role is nourishment of the egg after implantation. Its levels reached a peak at 8-10 weeks of pregnancy and after that the levels decreases for the remainder of pregnancy. In hydatiform mole and trophoblastic diseases its the main hormone for diagnosis of the disease because the levels are highly elevated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 9
Incorrect
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What is the most common cause of hypercalcaemia?
Your Answer: Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Correct Answer: Primary hyperparathyroidism
Explanation:Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcaemia with incidence rates in the UK approximately 30 per 100,000 The majority of patients are postmenopausal women.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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A patient is about to undergo an elective C-section. She wants to know how long it will take for her wound to completely heal.
How much time does it take for healing by primary intention to reach full tensile strength?Your Answer: 6 weeks
Correct Answer: 12 weeks
Explanation:Wound healing typically undergoes different stages that include haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. The phases are often shortened when healing occurs by primary intention such as in a surgical wound. Remodelling, which is the major strengthening phase, takes about 3 weeks, while it takes a total of 12 weeks to reach maximum tensile strength.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which one of the following features indicates fetal asphyxia?
Your Answer: Old meconium at the time of induction of labour
Correct Answer: Type II (late) decelerations with tachycardia
Explanation:A type II deceleration is due to placental insufficiency which can result in fetal distress and asphyxia. The fetal heart rate is lowest at the start of the contraction and returns to normal after the contraction is complete.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 12
Correct
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Lowered haemoglobin during normal pregnancy is a physiological finding which is mainly due to:
Your Answer: Increased plasma volume
Explanation:During pregnancy, anaemia increases more than fourfold from the first to third trimester. It is a well established fact that there is a physiological drop in haemoglobin (Hb) in the mid trimester. This physiological drop is attributed to increase of plasma volume and hence decrease of blood viscosity lead to better circulation in placenta.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 13
Correct
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When does ovulation occur?
Your Answer: 36 hours after LH surge
Explanation:Ovulation occurs in the mid stage of the menstrual cycle, usually 36 hours after the LH surge. It is this LH surge which is necessary for the ovulation to occur.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 14
Correct
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What kind of biochemical changes occur during the luteal phase of menstrual cycle?
Your Answer: High progesterone levels
Explanation:Menstrual cycle can be divided into the follicular phase and luteal phase. In the luteal phase, there is an increase in progesterone secretion and LH levels are low. If the ova is fertilized, it is implanted in the endometrium. In case of failure in fertilization, there is gradual decrease in progesterone and LH levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 15
Correct
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If a sample of cervical mucus is taken on the 12th day of the menstrual cycle and examined under the microscope, what kind of findings would be observed?
Your Answer: A fern pattern characteristic of oestrogen
Explanation:Fern test looks for a specific fern like pattern of cervical mucus when observed under light microscope after the sample is dried. It occurs due to the presence of sodium chloride under oestrogen influence whereas progesterone opposes it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 16
Correct
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During wound healing the clotting cascade is activated. Which of the following activates the extrinsic pathway?
Your Answer: Tissue Factor
Explanation:The extrinsic pathway is activated by the tissue factor, which converts factor VII to VIIa which later on converts factors X and II to their activated form finally leading to the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin fibres.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 17
Correct
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All the following are possible causes of polyhydramnios, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: IUGR
Explanation:An underlying disease is only found in 17 % of cases in mild polyhydramnios. In contrast, an underlying disease is detected in 91 % of cases in moderate to severe polyhydramnios. The literature lists the following potential aetiologies: fetal malformations and genetic anomalies (8–45 %), maternal diabetes mellitus (5–26 %), multiple pregnancies (8–10 %), fetal anaemia (1–11 %), other causes, e.g. viral infections, Bartter syndrome, neuromuscular disorders, maternal hypercalcemia. Viral infections which can lead to polyhydramnios include parvovirus B19, rubella, and cytomegalovirus. Other infections, e.g. toxoplasmosis and syphilis, can also cause polyhydramnios.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 18
Correct
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All of the following factors are associated with umbilical cord prolapse, except?
Your Answer: Anencephaly
Explanation:Anencephaly means the missing of a particular portion of the scalp and brain tissue. The other factors listed are associated with umbilical cord prolapse like multiparity, twin birth, polyhydramnios, premature delivery, long umbilical cord or breech presentation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 19
Correct
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The resting pulse in pregnancy is:
Your Answer: Increased by 10 to 15 bpm
Explanation:During pregnancy cardiac output increases by 30 to 50%. As a result, the resting pulse speeds up from a normal of about 70 bpm to 80 or 90 bpm.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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What percentage of haemoglobin is HbF by 6 months of age?
Your Answer: <2%
Correct Answer:
Explanation:HB gower 1 is the predominant embryonic haemoglobin when the foetus is 6 week old and is replaced by adult haemoglobin by the age of 5 months post natally. Only 2% of the haemoglobin is HbF.
Embryonic Haemoglobin:
Haemoglobin Gower 1 (HbE Gower-1)
Haemoglobin Gower 2 (HbE Gower-2)
Haemoglobin Portland I (HbE Portland-1)
Haemoglobin Portland II (HbE Portland-2)Fetal Haemoglobin (haemoglobin F, HbF)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 21
Correct
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Spinnbarkheit is a term which means:
Your Answer: Threading of the cervical mucous
Explanation:Spinnability (or Spinnbarkeit), which measures the capacity of fluids to be drawn into threads, represents an indirect measurement of the adhesive and elastic properties of mucus.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 22
Correct
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Besides infertility, the most common symptoms of a luteal phase defect is:
Your Answer: Early abortion
Explanation:Luteal phase defect is an ovulatory disorder of considerable clinical importance that is implicated in infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 23
Correct
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A 25 year old primigravida with a regular cycle had her last menstrual period on June 30th. Therefore the expected date of delivery (EDD) is approximately when the following year:
Your Answer: 7-Apr
Explanation:Expected date of delivery (EDD) is a calculated from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. If her periods are regular i.e., 28-day menstrual cycle, Naegele’s rule may be used. Naegele’s rule involves a simple calculation: add seven days to the first day of your LMP and then subtract three months. e.g. 30 June + 7 days = 7 July, minus 3 months = 7 April.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 24
Correct
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Changes in the urinary tract system in pregnancy include:
Your Answer: Increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Explanation:Pregnancy involves remarkable orchestration of physiologic changes. The kidneys are central players in the evolving hormonal milieu of pregnancy, responding and contributing to the changes in the environment for the pregnant woman and foetus. The functional impact of pregnancy on kidney physiology is widespread, involving practically all aspects of kidney function. The glomerular filtration rate increases 50% with subsequent decrease in serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid values.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Which of the following is suggestive of ovulation:
Your Answer: Day 21 oestrogen level is elevated
Correct Answer: Regular cycle with dysmenorrhea
Explanation:Ovulation in the menstrual cycle usually occurs over 4 days. There is an increase in basal body temperature at the time of ovulation due to the effect of progesterone.
A high Day 21 progesterone level indicates ovulation and the release of an egg.
Dysmenorrhea is described as painful menstruation. The symptoms start at the time of ovulation and persist till menstruation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 26
Correct
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Regarding amniotic fluid volume:
Your Answer: Maybe predicted by ultrasound
Explanation:Amniotic fluid can be measured with the help of ultrasound to gauge the amniotic fluid index. The normal value ranges between 8-18.
Amniocentesis is a procedure by which amniotic fluid is removed. In rhesus disease, it appears yellow due to raised bilirubin levels. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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What is the typical volume increase of a non-pregnant uterus to term uterus?
Your Answer: 1000ml to 5000ml
Correct Answer: 10ml to 5000ml
Explanation:Uterine blood flow increases 40-fold to approximately 700 mL/min at term. The uterus is 50–60 g with a volume of approximately 10ml prior to pregnancy and 1000 – 1200 g with a volume of 5000ml by term.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 28
Correct
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Examination of endometrial tissue obtained from a biopsy reveals simple columnar epithelium with no sub-nuclear vacuoles. The stroma is oedematous, & a tortuous gland contains secretions. These findings are consistent with which stage of the menstrual cycle?
Your Answer: Mid-secretory
Explanation:During mid secretory phase, the endometrium cells undergo distension, become more tortuous and are lined by columnar cells.
In the early proliferative phase, the glandular epithelium is cubo-columnar, while in the late proliferative phase, the glands increase in size, becoming tortuous and there is pseudostratification of the epithelium. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 29
Correct
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Question 30
Correct
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A sure sign of pregnancy is:
Your Answer: Auscultation of fetal heart
Explanation:Classifications of Pregnancy Signs:
Presumptive signs — possibility of pregnancy
Probable signs — most likelihood of indicating pregnancy
Positive signs — confirmation of pregnancy
Auscultation of fetal heart is the only positive sign amongst the rest of the answers. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 31
Correct
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Which of the following statements is true regarding heart rate in pregnancy?
Your Answer: Heart rate increases by 15 beats per minute
Explanation:During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, cardiac output increases by about 30-50%. To maintain this increase, systemic vascular resistance decreases by 20-30%, while stroke volume and the heart rate increase by 25-30% and 15 beats per minute respectively.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 32
Correct
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What is the most common cause of hypercalcaemia?
Your Answer: Primary hyperparathyroidism
Explanation:Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia. It is usually caused by a tumour of the parathyroid gland. Symptoms are related to increased calcium levels which can cause kidney stones, abdominal groans, psychiatric overtones and bones disease such as osteoporosis,osteomalacia and arthritis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 33
Correct
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The following are presumptive skin signs of pregnancy, except:
Your Answer: Maculo-papular rash
Explanation:Skin signs during pregnancy may include: dark spots on the breasts, nipples and inner thighs, melasma (chloasma), linea nigra, stretch marks, acne, spider telangiectasis and varicose veins.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 34
Correct
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Which one of the following statements regarding oestrogen is correct?
Your Answer: It is produced in the corpus luteum
Explanation:Oestrogen is secreted by the corpus luteum and is responsible for the proliferation of the endometrium to prepare it for the implantation of the zygote.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 35
Correct
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Which of the following is probably responsible for physiologic hyperventilation during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Increased progesterone production
Explanation:Progesterone gradually increases during the course of pregnancy, from 25 ng⋅mL−1 at 6 weeks’ to 150 ng⋅mL−1 at 37 weeks’ gestation. Progesterone acts as trigger of the primary respiratory centre by increasing the sensitivity of the respiratory centre to carbon dioxide, as indicated by the steeper slope of the ventilation curve in response to alveolar carbon dioxide changes. Progesterone alters the smooth muscle tone of the airways resulting in a bronchodilator effect. It also mediates hyperaemia and oedema of mucosal surfaces, causing nasal congestion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 36
Correct
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Regarding cardiac output in pregnancy which of the following statements is TRUE?
Your Answer: Cardiac output increases by approximately 40-50% during pregnancy
Explanation:In a non pregnant adult female the cardiac output is 4.5L/min, by the 20 week of pregnancy the cardiac output increases by 40% to 6.3L/min. During early stages of labour it increases further still by 17% to 7.3L/min.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 37
Correct
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Question 38
Incorrect
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What is the typical weight of a term uterus?
Your Answer: 800g
Correct Answer: 1200g
Explanation:Uterine blood flow increases 40-fold to approximately 700 mL/min at term, with 80 per cent of the blood distributed to the intervillous spaces of the placentae, and 20 per cent to the uterine myometrium. Weight of the uterus increases from 50–60 g prior to pregnancy to 1000 g by term.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 39
Correct
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Luteal phase deficiency is characterised by:
Your Answer: Has inadequate luteal progesterone production
Explanation:Luteal phase occurs after the ovulation. Luteal defect means that the luteal phase is shorter than 10 days and women will find it difficult to sustain the pregnancy. There is decreased progesterone, LH and FSH production in this case.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 40
Correct
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Regarding electronic fetal monitoring, which one of the following statements is true?
Your Answer: Has low specificity but high sensitivity
Explanation:There are different ways of monitoring fetal heart rate during pregnancy. It can be done by just auscultation or by electronic fetal heart rate monitoring which is done with the help of an ultrasound machine and has a low specificity but high sensitivity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 41
Correct
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What is the average lifespan of a basophil (white blood cell)?
Your Answer: 3-4 days
Explanation:Basophils are granulocytic white blood cells. They express IgE antibody on their surface and react to release prostaglandins and leukotrienes to mediate an inflammatory, allergic reaction.
Blood Cell Lifespans:
Red Blood Cells 120 days
Platelets 5-9 days
White blood cells 2-5 daysNeutrophils (up to 5 days)
Basophils (2 to 3 days)
Eosinophils (2 to 5 days)
Monocytes (1 to 5 days)
Lymphocytes (variable) -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 42
Correct
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The expected date of delivery of a human pregnancy can be calculated as:
Your Answer: 40 weeks after last menstrual period
Explanation:Expected date of delivery/estimated due date (EDD) is a calculated date (i.e., an estimation), determined by counting forward 280 days (40 weeks) from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 43
Correct
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Serum prolactin levels are greatest in which of the following conditions?
Your Answer: Suckling
Explanation:Serum prolactin levels are increased during suckling. Some other conditions in which serum prolactin is increased consist of: prolactin secreting brain tumours, anti psychotic drugs and hypothyroidism. It can also be increased in pregnancy, nipple stimulation and stress.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 44
Correct
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Which of the following factors is fetal nutrition dependant on?
Your Answer: All of the options given
Explanation:Fetal nutrition is dependant upon multiple factors such as maternal nutritional state, quality of maternal diet, malnutrition, anorexia nervosa, metabolic rate of the mother or whether they suffer from malabsorption syndrome or other related conditions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 45
Correct
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In the foetus, the most well oxygenated blood flows into which part of the heart:
Your Answer: Right atrium
Explanation:The placenta accepts the blue, unoxygenated blood from the foetus through blood vessels that leave the foetus through the umbilical cord (umbilical arteries, there are two of them). When blood goes through the placenta it picks up oxygen and becomes red. The red blood then returns to the foetus via the third vessel in the umbilical cord, the umbilical vein. The red blood that enters the foetus passes through the fetal liver and enters the right side of the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 46
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is true regarding renal blood flow in pregnancy?
Your Answer: Increases by approximately 25%
Correct Answer: Increases by approximately 50%
Explanation:Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) rises immediately after conception and increases by about 50 per cent overall, reaching its maximum at the end of the first trimester. GFR then falls by about 20 per cent in the third trimester, returning to pre-pregnancy levels within 12 weeks of delivery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 47
Incorrect
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A serum progesterone value less than 5ng/ml can exclude the diagnosis of viable pregnancy with a certainty of:
Your Answer: 60%
Correct Answer: 100%
Explanation:Serum progesterone has been proposed as a useful test to distinguish a viable pregnancy from a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Low progesterone values are associated with miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies, both considered non-viable pregnancies, and high progesterone concentrations with viable pregnancies. A single progesterone measurement for women in early pregnancy presenting with bleeding or pain and inconclusive ultrasound assessments can rule out a viable pregnancy. The probability of a non-viable pregnancy was raised from 62.9% to 96.8%.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 48
Correct
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What kind of biochemical changes occur during the follicular phase of menstrual cycle?
Your Answer: Endometrial gland proliferation
Explanation:During follicular phase, there is an increase in gonadotrophin hormones and a proliferation of the endometrium occurs. The duration of the cycle depends upon the overall length of the menstrual cycle. The progesterone levels are increased in the luteal phase and not in follicular phase.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 49
Incorrect
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What is the typical weight of a non-pregnant premenopausal uterus?
Your Answer: 200g
Correct Answer: 40g
Explanation:Uterine blood flow increases 40-fold to approximately 700 mL/min at term, with 80 per cent of the blood. The uterus is 50–60 g prior to pregnancy and 1000 g by term. The volume increases from 10 ml to 5000ml approx. It is around 40g at menopause.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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Question 50
Correct
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During normal pregnancy, the renal glomerular filtrate rate (GFR) can increase as much as:
Your Answer: 50%
Explanation:Pregnancy involves remarkable orchestration of physiologic changes. The kidneys are central players in the evolving hormonal milieu of pregnancy, responding and contributing to the changes in the environment for the pregnant woman and foetus. The functional impact of pregnancy on kidney physiology is widespread, involving practically all aspects of kidney function. The glomerular filtration rate increases 50% with subsequent decrease in serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid values.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Physiology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
