Which of the following is a symptom of high risk pregnancy?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

A high-risk pregnancy is defined by the presence of factors that increase the health risks for the mother, the fetus, or both.
Eclampsia (seizures in pregnancy), a history of a previous stillbirth, and a history of a previous cesarean section are all major risk factors.
Eclampsia is a life-threatening emergency.
A previous stillbirth suggests an increased risk for recurrence and other complications in the current pregnancy.
A previous C-section raises the risk of uterine rupture and abnormal placentation.
Since all the listed conditions contribute to a high-risk status, 'All of the above' is the comprehensive and correct answer.

Option A: This option is correct, but it is not the only correct option. Eclampsia is a severe complication that defines a high-risk pregnancy.
Option B: This option is correct, but it is incomplete. A history of stillbirth is a significant risk factor, but other listed factors also contribute to a high-risk pregnancy.
Option C: This option is correct, but it is also incomplete. A previous C-section is a known risk factor, but the other options are also correct.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification of risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Identifying a pregnancy as high-risk is crucial for providing appropriate and specialized antenatal care.
High-risk pregnancies require more frequent monitoring, including regular BP checks, urine protein analysis, fetal movement counts, and ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth and well-being.
Early identification allows for timely management of complications and planning for delivery in a facility equipped to handle potential emergencies, such as a tertiary care center with NICU capabilities.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. The question asks to identify a symptom (or factor) of a high-risk pregnancy.
Next, evaluate each option individually to determine if it constitutes a risk factor for a high-risk pregnancy.
Consider Option A: Eclampsia. This is a severe, life-threatening condition, making it a high-risk factor.
Consider Option B: Previous stillbirth. A history of fetal loss is a major indicator of risk in subsequent pregnancies.
Consider Option C: Previous C-section. This surgical history introduces risks like uterine rupture and placental abnormalities in future pregnancies.
Recognize that options A, B, and C are all correct. When multiple options are correct and an 'All of the above' option is available, it is the most complete and therefore the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Obstetrics Williams pp. 3-10, 36-55

Practise the full MP CHO -2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.