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Latent phase of labour — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPregnancyLatent phase of labourMCCQE Part 1

A healthy 39-week primigravida has irregular contractions every 8 minutes, cervix 2 cm, intact membranes and reassuring fetal heart rate. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: C — Provide reassurance, analgesia advice and return precautions

Provide reassurance, analgesia advice and return precautions is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Latent phase of labour better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to SOGC labour management guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: SOGC labour management guidance