Which of the following is a heart-shaped pelvis?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The Android pelvis is defined by its heart-shaped or triangular inlet, which is narrower than other pelvic types.
This shape is characteristic of the typical male pelvis.
Key features include a narrow fore-pelvis, convergent side walls, and prominent ischial spines, creating a funnel shape.
Due to these narrow dimensions, the Android pelvis has a poor prognosis for vaginal delivery and is often associated with labor dystocia and the need for operative delivery.

Option A: The Anthropoid pelvis has an oval-shaped inlet, where the anteroposterior diameter is longer than the transverse diameter.
Option B: The Platypelloid pelvis is a flat pelvis with a kidney-shaped or transverse oval inlet, where the transverse diameter is much longer than the anteroposterior diameter.
Option C: The Gynecoid pelvis has a round or slightly oval inlet and is considered the classic and most common female pelvic type.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration comparing the four main pelvic shapes (Gynecoid, Android, Anthropoid, Platypelloid) as described by the Caldwell-Moloy classification. This helps visualize the differences in the pelvic inlet.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Caldwell-Moloy classification of pelvic types as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the pelvic type is crucial in obstetrics to anticipate the course of labor and potential difficulties.
An Android or Platypelloid pelvis can increase the risk of cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), labor arrest, and the need for operative delivery (forceps, vacuum, or cesarean section).
What if? - If a woman with an Android pelvis goes into labor, the nurse should be vigilant for signs of labor dystocia, such as slow cervical dilation or failure of fetal descent, and be prepared for potential interventions.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from obstetrics.
Identify the key term in the question: 'heart-shaped pelvis'.
Recall the four types of pelvises in the Caldwell-Moloy classification: Gynecoid, Android, Anthropoid, and Platypelloid.
Associate the characteristic shape with each type: Gynecoid (round), Android (heart-shaped), Anthropoid (vertical oval), and Platypelloid (transverse oval).
Select the option that matches the 'heart-shaped' description.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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