The leading cause of NCD is?

NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Hard

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

Hemorrhage, particularly postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), is the single most common cause of maternal death across the globe.
According to global health data, obstetric hemorrhage accounts for approximately 25% of all maternal fatalities. (SRC_28679)
These deaths are often preventable as rapid blood loss from uterine atony or trauma can be managed with prompt interventions like uterine massage, uterotonic drugs, and fluid resuscitation.

Option A: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and an indirect cause of maternal mortality. It increases the risk of other complications but is not a primary, direct cause of death in the same way as acute hemorrhage.
Option B: Infections, such as puerperal sepsis, are a major cause of maternal death, but they are the second leading cause globally, responsible for about 15% of deaths, which is less than hemorrhage. (SRC_28679)
Option C: Toxaemia, or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (e.g., eclampsia), is a significant cause of maternal mortality, accounting for about 13% of deaths, but it ranks behind both hemorrhage and infections. (SRC_28679)

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causes of Maternal Mortality as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a critical role in preventing, identifying, and managing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Key skills include assessing uterine tone, estimating blood loss, and administering uterotonics.
The 'active management of the third stage of labor' (AMTSL), which includes administering a prophylactic uterotonic, is a key evidence-based intervention to prevent PPH.
What if? If a patient has had five previous births (grand multiparity), her risk for PPH due to uterine atony is significantly higher. The nurse should ensure prophylactic measures are in place, large-bore IV access is established, and blood products are readily available as a precaution.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question stem and the options provided. Note the clear mismatch: the stem asks about 'NCD', while the options are primary causes of maternal death.
Infer the intended question. Given the options (Hemorrhage, Toxaemia, Infections), the question is almost certainly about the leading cause of maternal mortality.
Access your knowledge about maternal health. Recall or deduce the major causes of maternal death worldwide.
Compare the options. Hemorrhage is globally recognized as the number one cause of maternal death.
Select the option for Hemorrhage as the correct answer based on this corrected understanding of the question's intent.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Causes of Maternal Mortality
Stem keywords: leading cause, maternal mortality
Lead-in keywords: leading cause
Clinical cues: The options 'Hemorrhage' and 'Toxaemia' are classic complications of pregnancy, strongly suggesting the question's intent is about maternal mortality despite the 'NCD' typo.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-232 of 464) p. 57-59

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1808-1810