Which of the following is 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.
This pelvic shape resembles a typical male pelvis.
It features a narrow subpubic arch and convergent side walls, creating a funnel shape.
Due to its narrow dimensions, the Android pelvis is generally considered unfavorable for vaginal delivery and is often associated with labor dystocia (difficult labor).

Option A: The Anthropoid pelvis has a long, oval-shaped inlet where the anteroposterior diameter is greater than the transverse diameter.
Option B: The Platypelloid pelvis has a flattened, kidney-shaped, or transverse oval inlet, where the transverse diameter is significantly wider than the anteroposterior diameter.
Option C: The Gynecoid pelvis has a rounded or slightly oval inlet. It is considered the classic and most common female pelvic type.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration comparing the four pelvic types (Gynecoid, Android, Anthropoid, Platypelloid) side-by-side, clearly showing the shape of the pelvic inlet for each. This helps in visually differentiating the heart shape of the Android pelvis from the others.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Types of female pelvis and their characteristics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the pelvic shape is a crucial part of antenatal care as it helps predict the course of labor and potential difficulties.
A woman with an Android or Platypelloid pelvis may be at higher risk for cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), where the fetal head is too large to pass through the pelvis, often necessitating a Cesarean section.
Nurses must be aware of the implications of different pelvic shapes to anticipate labor patterns, monitor for signs of dystocia, and prepare for potential interventions.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question that tests your knowledge of obstetrical anatomy.
Identify the keyword in the question: "heart shaped pelvis".
Recall the Caldwell-Moloy classification of the four main pelvic types.
Mentally review the defining shape of each pelvic inlet: Gynecoid (round), Android (heart), Anthropoid (long oval), and Platypelloid (flat oval).
Match the term "heart shaped" with the correct pelvic type, which is Android.
Select the corresponding option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent-20 July 2019 (Shift-1)

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