A 16-year-old with secondary amenorrhoea and BMI 17. Healthy, no PMH. Most appropriate initial investigation?
A) Bone mineral density scan
B) FSH measurement
C) DHEAS measurement
D) Karyotype
E) Thyroid function test
Answer: E) Thyroid function test
55-year-old, post-hysterectomy 8 years ago. Symptoms: hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Strong family history of osteoporosis. First treatment option?
A) Combined sequential HRT
B) A selective estrogen receptor modulator
C) Estrogen-only HRT
D) Oral calcium therapy only
E) SSRI
Answer: C) Estrogen-only HRT
Explanation: Estrogen-only HRT is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and osteoporosis prevention. Progestogens are not required as she has no uterus.
18-year-old, 10 weeks amenorrhea, light bleeding. TVS shows an irregular gestational sac with no fetal pole. Likely diagnosis?
A) Anembryonic pregnancy
B) Complete miscarriage
C) Hydatidiform mole
D) Incomplete miscarriage
E) Threatened miscarriage
Answer: A) Anembryonic pregnancy
Explanation: A gestational sac without an embryo is termed an anembryonic pregnancy (blighted ovum). It is a form of non-viable pregnancy.
Primigravida, 39 weeks, spontaneous labour. At 18:00, cervix 6cm. At 22:00, cervix still 6cm. Fetus is OP. Most appropriate action?
A) Amniotomy
B) Commence intravenous oxytocin
C) Membrane sweep
D) Repeat VE after 2 hours
E) Repeat VE after 4 hours
Answer: A) Amniotomy
Explanation: In cases of slow or no progression in the first stage of labour with intact membranes, Artificial Rupture of Membranes (ARM) is the first-line intervention.
17-year-old, sexually active, presents with painful vulval ulceration and dysuria. Most likely diagnosis?
A) Candida albicans
B) Herpes simplex virus
C) Herpes varicella virus
D) Human papillomavirus
E) Syphilis
Answer: B) Herpes simplex virus
Explanation: HSV typically presents with painful ulcers and dysuria. Syphilis (primary chancre) is usually painless.
Woman on antenatal ward collapses and is unresponsive. Airway open but not breathing. Next step?
A) Commence artificial ventilation
B) Commence cardiac compressions
C) Get help
D) Give a precordial thump
E) Left lateral tilt
Answer: C) Get help
Explanation: Standard BLS/ALS guidelines mandate calling for help immediately upon finding a collapsed, unresponsive patient before starting CPR.
Emergency call for PPH (1 litre blood loss). What is your first action?
A) Assess ABC and administer oxygen (15 l/min)
B) Bimanual compression of the uterus
C) Catheterise the bladder
D) Obtain blood for cross-match (4 units)
E) Site two large-bore IV cannulae
Answer: A) Assess the woman’s airway, breathing and circulation…
Explanation: Always follow the ABC protocol in an emergency. Assessing responsiveness and providing oxygen is the priority.
Emergency call for PPH (500 ml blood loss). What is the most likely cause?
A) Cervical trauma
B) Coagulopathy
C) Retained placental tissue
D) Uterine atony
E) Vaginal tear
Answer: D) Uterine atony
Explanation: Uterine atony accounts for approximately 70% of all cases of postpartum haemorrhage.
CTG shows type 1 variable decelerations. What is the cause?
A) Fetal head compression
B) Fetal hypoxia
C) Fetal movements
D) Placental insufficiency
E) Umbilical cord compression
Answer: E) Umbilical cord compression
Explanation: Variable decelerations are caused by cord compression. Early = head compression; Late = placental insufficiency/hypoxia.
Woman receiving Magnesium Sulphate for pre-eclampsia has absent deep tendon reflexes and low urine output (5ml/2hr). What other observation is priority?
A) Blood pressure
B) Glasgow coma score
C) Pulse rate
D) Respiratory rate
E) Temperature
Answer: D) Respiratory rate
Explanation: Absent reflexes are an early sign of magnesium toxicity. Respiratory depression is a life-threatening late sign; RR must be monitored closely.
What are the key features of polyglactin (Vicryl) sutures?
A) Braided, absorbable and synthetic
B) Braided, non-absorbable and synthetic
C) Non-braided, absorbable and natural
D) Non-braided, absorbable and synthetic
E) Non-braided, non-absorbable and natural
Answer: A) Braided, absorbable and synthetic
Explanation: Polyglactin is a synthetic, absorbable material. It is braided to provide better knot security.
Nulliparous, 41 weeks, ROM. At 18:00, cervix 3cm. At 22:00, cervix 3cm. Fetus OP. Most appropriate action?
A) Administer prostaglandin per vaginam
B) Caesarean section
C) Commence intravenous oxytocin
D) Membrane sweep
E) Repeat VE after 4 hours
Answer: C) Commence intravenous oxytocin
Explanation: As the membranes have already ruptured and there is no progress, oxytocin augmentation is indicated.
68-year-old, PMB, BMI 23. ET 4mm. Pipelle shows neoplasm. Likely diagnosis?
A) Leiomyoma
B) Endometrial hyperplasia
C) Endometrial polyp
D) Endometrioid adenocarcinoma
E) Serous carcinoma
Answer: E) Serous carcinoma
Explanation: Serous carcinoma is an aggressive “Type 2” endometrial cancer seen in older women, often with a thin endometrium and unrelated to BMI.
75-year-old, weight gain, hair loss, cold intolerance. High prolactin, normal electrolytes. Cause?
A) Antiemetic use
B) Hypothyroidism
C) Neuroleptic use
D) Prolactinoma
E) Renal failure
Answer: B) Hypothyroidism
Explanation: Primary hypothyroidism causes high TRH levels, which stimulates the lactotrophs in the pituitary to secrete prolactin.
34-year-old multigravida, 7cm dilated. CTG variability <5 (after pethidine). Fetal blood sample (FBS) pH 7.23. Next step?
A) Delivery is indicated
B) Reassure the woman
C) Repeat FBS after 1 hour
D) Repeat FBS if FHR abnormality persists
E) Repeat FBS within 30 minutes
Answer: E) Repeat FBS within 30 minutes
Explanation: A pH of 7.21–7.24 is considered “borderline.” The FBS should be repeated within 30 minutes to monitor for deterioration.
30-year-old primigravida (IVF), severe pain. Empty uterus on scan, β-hCG 5,500. Action?
A) Expectant management
B) Laparoscopy and salpingectomy if ectopic confirmed
C) Laparoscopy and salpingotomy if ectopic confirmed
C) Methotrexate injection
E) Repeat scan in 7 days
Answer: B) Laparoscopy and salpingectomy if there is an ectopic pregnancy
Explanation: High hCG (>1500–2400) with an empty uterus and severe pain indicates surgical management (salpingectomy is standard if the other tube is healthy).
Ovarian cancer suspected. Which lymph nodes does the disease drain to first?
A) External iliac
B) Hypogastric
C) Inguinal
D) Internal iliac
E) Para-aortic
Answer: E) Para-aortic lymph nodes
Explanation: Ovarian lymphatics follow the ovarian vessels directly to the para-aortic nodes at the level of the renal vessels.
Perineal tear involves 60% of the external anal sphincter. Internal sphincter and mucosa are intact. Classification?
A) Second degree
B) 3a degree
C) 3b degree
D) 3c degree
E) Fourth degree
Answer: C) 3b degree tear
Explanation: 3a = <50% EAS; 3b = >50% EAS; 3c = Both EAS and IAS involved.
Where is the flexion point on the fetal head for ventouse application?
A) 3 cm anterior of anterior fontanelle
B) Directly over anterior fontanelle
C) Directly over posterior fontanelle
D) Sagittal suture, 2 cm posterior to posterior fontanelle
E) Sagittal suture, 3 cm anterior to posterior fontanelle
Answer: E) On the sagittal suture line, approximately 3 cm anterior of the posterior fontanelle
Explanation: Proper application at the flexion point ensures the smallest diameter of the head presents through the pelvis.
Previous C-section, Term, 6cm dilated. Contractions stop suddenly followed by fetal bradycardia. Likely diagnosis?
A) Placental abruption
B) Scar dehiscence
C) Scar rupture
D) Tetanic uterine contractions
E) Uterine atony
Answer: C) Scar rupture
Explanation: Loss of contractions and fetal distress (bradycardia) are classic signs of a ruptured uterine scar.
Previous C-section, Term, 6cm dilated, 3 contractions in 10 min. What is the initial management?
A) Fetal blood sample
B) Continuous fetal monitoring (CFM) and VE 2 hours later
C) CFM and syntocinon infusion
D) Intermittent monitoring
E) Suggest mobilisation
Answer: B) You suggest continuous fetal monitoring (CFM) and vaginal assessment 2 hours following the last VE
Explanation: Women in VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) require CFM and more frequent progress checks to detect early signs of scar failure.
15-year-old girl requests contraception. She has a history of thromboembolism and dysmenorrhea. Which medical law applies?
A) Abortion Act 1967
B) Bolam
C) Bolitho
D) Fraser
E) Gillick
Answer: D) Fraser
Explanation: “Fraser guidelines” specifically refer to providing contraceptive advice/treatment to minors without parental consent.
Long-distance runner, secondary amenorrhoea for 6 months. Scan shows polycystic ovaries. What investigation is required?
A) Vaginal ultrasound
B) MRI pelvis
C) Pituitary CT scan
D) DEXA scan
E) Adrenal ultrasound
Answer: D) DEXA scan
Explanation: In women with amenorrhoea lasting >6 months (especially with high exercise/low weight), bone density must be assessed to rule out osteoporosis.
19-year-old, Bulimia, BMI 17. Amenorrhoea for 8 months. Most appropriate treatment to restore menses?
A) Cyclical northisterone
B) Daily injections of gonadotrophin
C) COCP
D) Oral estrogen and clomiphene
E) Estrogen patch and cyclical oral progesterone
Answer: E) Estrogen patch and cyclical oral progesterone
Explanation: Transdermal estrogen and cyclical progesterone is the recommended HRT regimen for hypothalamic amenorrhoea to protect bone health.