Which of the following defines obstructed labour?

BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

Obstructed labor, or dystocia, is defined as the failure of labor to progress due to a mechanical blockage.
This condition is characterized by the inability of the fetus to descend through the birth canal.
A key feature of the definition is that this failure of descent occurs despite the presence of adequate and strong uterine contractions.
The blockage can be due to issues with the 'passenger' (fetus size/position) or the 'passage' (maternal pelvis).

Option A: Premature placental separation is a distinct obstetric emergency known as abruptio placentae, where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before birth. It is not a definition of obstructed labor.
Option B: Rapid cervical dilation is characteristic of precipitous labor, which is an unusually fast labor. This is the opposite of obstructed labor, which is defined by a lack of progress.
Option C: Uterine overstimulation, or tachysystole, refers to excessively frequent or prolonged contractions. While it is a form of abnormal uterine action and can cause fetal distress, it is a problem with the 'powers' of labor and not the definition of a mechanical obstruction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definition of Obstructed Labour as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Early recognition of obstructed labor is a critical nursing responsibility. Nurses use the partograph to plot cervical dilation and fetal descent, allowing for timely identification of abnormal labor progress.
Obstructed labor is an obstetric emergency. Failure to intervene can lead to uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, obstetric fistula, and fetal or maternal death.
Nursing interventions include continuous monitoring of maternal and fetal vital signs, assessing the strength and frequency of contractions, recognizing signs of maternal exhaustion or fetal distress, and immediately alerting the obstetric team.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to understand that it is asking for the specific definition of 'obstructed labour'.
Mentally recall or define the term. Obstructed labor means something is blocking the baby's path, so labor isn't progressing even though the uterus is contracting.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Option A (placental separation) is a bleeding complication (abruptio placentae).
Option B (rapid dilation) is the opposite of obstruction (precipitous labor).
Option C (overstimulation) is about the pattern of contractions, not a mechanical block.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 30-50

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 51-62