The AGACNP is evaluating a patient who reportedly fell down a flight of steps. Her history is significant for several emergency room visits, but she denies any significant medical conditions. Some documentation in her chart indicates that she may have been subjected to physical abuse. Today she presents with a periorbital ecchymosis of the left eye and swelling in the left side of the face. Her neurologic examination is within normal limits. Which head imaging study would be most useful in assessing for findings consistent with a history of abuse?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: CT scan without contrast. A CT scan is the most useful imaging study in assessing for findings consistent with a history of abuse in this patient. CT scan is preferred for acute trauma to the head as it provides detailed images of the brain, skull, and facial bones. It can detect acute hemorrhages, fractures, or other signs of trauma. In this case, the patient's presentation with periorbital ecchymosis and facial swelling raises suspicion for traumatic injury, which can be assessed effectively with a CT scan. Radiographs (choice A) are not as sensitive as CT scans in detecting subtle fractures or soft tissue injuries in the head and face. MRI (choice C) is not typically used in acute trauma assessment and may not provide timely information needed in this case. PET scan (choice D) is not indicated for evaluating traumatic head injuries and is more commonly used for assessing metabolic and functional activity in the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Couvelaire uterus. This condition is characterized by a bruised and edematous appearance of the uterus due to severe placental abruption. The rationale is that a Couvelaire uterus specifically refers to this presentation, while the other choices do not. A: Wernicke's encephalopathy is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency. B: Uterine prolapse is the descent or herniation of the uterus into or beyond the vagina. D: Asherman's syndrome involves intrauterine adhesions leading to menstrual irregularities.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pressure applied on the cervix by the presenting part in obstructed labor leads to edema of the vulva. This pressure causes obstruction of blood and lymphatic flow in the area, resulting in swelling and edema. Prolonged effort by the mother (choice A) would not directly cause vulvar edema. An ill-fitting presenting part (choice C) may contribute to obstruction but does not explain the mechanism of edema. Large presenting diameters (choice D) stretching the vulva would not directly cause edema without pressure on the cervix.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rhesus D incompatibility. Icterus gravis (severe jaundice) and hydrops fetalis (abnormal accumulation of fluid) are both conditions commonly associated with Rhesus D incompatibility between a mother and her fetus. This occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive, leading to maternal antibodies attacking the fetal red blood cells, resulting in severe hemolytic anemia and subsequent complications. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: ABO incompatibility typically leads to less severe jaundice and hemolytic disease compared to Rhesus D incompatibility. C: Physiological jaundice is a common and benign condition in newborns caused by the immaturity of the liver, not by blood type incompatibility. D: Instant perinatal death is not specifically associated with these conditions, but rather with other serious complications during childbirth.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Postdatism refers to a pregnancy that extends beyond the normal gestation period of 280 days. The correct answer is B (294 days) as it is more than the standard 280-day term. Choice A (280 days) is the normal term, not postdatism. Choices C (290 days) and D (287 days) are also below the 294-day mark, making them incorrect for defining postdatism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Occipito-posterior. This position occurs when the baby's head is facing forward but towards the mother's spine. This position can cause intense back pain during labor because the baby's head puts pressure on the mother's lower back. Occipito-anterior (A) is the most common and ideal position for labor. Transverse position (B) is when the baby is lying sideways, which may cause prolonged labor but not necessarily intense back pain. Occipito-lateral (D) is a less common position where the baby's head is facing sideways, which may not specifically cause intense back pain.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because BCG vaccination is recommended for newborns regardless of maternal smear status to prevent tuberculosis. The neonate is at risk of TB exposure postnatally and needs protection. Maternal smear status does not affect the indication for BCG in the newborn. Choice B is incorrect because withholding BCG in this case would leave the neonate vulnerable to TB. Choices C and D are not applicable as they do not provide any information.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Couvelaire uterus. This condition refers to the bruised and edematous appearance of the uterus associated with placental abruption. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely, leading to bleeding and a compromised blood supply to the uterus. The bruised appearance is due to blood infiltrating the myometrium. Explanation for other choices: A: Wernicke’s encephalopathy - This is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, not related to uterine issues. B: Uterine prolapse - This is the descent or herniation of the uterus into or beyond the vaginal canal, not related to placental abruption. D: Asherman’s syndrome - This is characterized by intrauterine adhesions or scar tissue, typically a result of uterine surgery, not associated with placental abruption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oligohydramnios. Shoulder presentation occurs when the baby presents shoulder-first rather than head-first during birth. Oligohydramnios, a condition characterized by low levels of amniotic fluid, can lead to decreased uterine space, increasing the chances of abnormal fetal positioning. Macerated fetus (A) is associated with fetal decomposition, not shoulder presentation. Postdates pregnancy (B) is linked to increased risk of macrosomia but not shoulder presentation. Placenta abruption (D) is a separation of the placenta from the uterus, not a direct cause of shoulder presentation.