Liquor amnii when enters the maternal circulation causing sudden dyspnoea, hypoxia and hypotension, is sugges… - IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but life-threatening complication of pregnancy.
It occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other debris enter the maternal circulation, triggering a severe inflammatory and anaphylactoid response.
The classic clinical presentation is a triad of sudden respiratory distress (dyspnea, hypoxia), cardiovascular collapse (hypotension, shock), and coagulopathy (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation).
The symptoms described in the question—sudden dyspnea, hypoxia, and hypotension—are the hallmark signs of the initial phase of AFE.

Option A: Cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency where the umbilical cord slips down in front of the baby. Its primary consequence is fetal distress due to cord compression, leading to fetal bradycardia or severe decelerations. It does not cause sudden dyspnea and hypotension in the mother.
Option B: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. Symptoms are typically localized to the affected limb, such as pain, swelling, and redness. While a DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism (which causes dyspnea and hypoxia), the embolus is a blood clot (thrombus), not amniotic fluid, and the onset is not typically as catastrophic and sudden as AFE.
Option C: Thrombophlebitis is the inflammation of a vein, usually a superficial one, associated with a blood clot. It presents with localized signs like a painful, hard, red cord under the skin. It does not cause systemic symptoms like sudden, severe dyspnea, hypoxia, and hypotension.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The question tests the knowledge of obstetric emergencies, specifically the signs and symptoms of Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the classic triad of AFE (sudden dyspnea, hypotension, hypoxia) is critical for nurses, as immediate intervention is required to improve chances of survival.
AFE has a high mortality rate (11-43%), and survival often depends on rapid, coordinated team response including obstetricians, anesthesiologists, critical care, and nursing staff.
Nursing priorities include initiating a code, ensuring high-flow oxygen, establishing large-bore IV access, and preparing for massive transfusion and potential perimortem C-section.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the clinical scenario presented in the question stem. Identify the key signs: liquor amnii (amniotic fluid) entering circulation, sudden dyspnea (difficulty breathing), hypoxia (low oxygen), and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Recognize this combination of acute respiratory and cardiovascular collapse as a catastrophic event in an obstetric setting.
Evaluate each option against this clinical picture.
Eliminate 'Cord prolapse' as it primarily affects the fetus.
Eliminate 'Deep vein thrombosis' and 'Thrombophlebitis' as they are clotting disorders with more localized initial symptoms and a different pathophysiology.
Identify 'Amniotic fluid embolism' as the condition that perfectly matches the classic triad of symptoms described. The entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation is the direct cause of this syndrome.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The question tests the knowledge of obstetric emergencies, specifically the signs and symptoms of Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE).
Stem keywords: Liquor amnii, maternal circulation, sudden dyspnoea, hypoxia, hypotension
Lead-in keywords: suggestive of
Clinical cues: The combination of sudden respiratory, cardiovascular, and oxygenation collapse in an obstetric patient is a classic presentation.

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