skip to main content

Puerperal sepsis — DRCOG MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPostnatalPuerperal sepsisDRCOG

A 30-year-old woman presents 5 days after birth with fever, rigors, lower abdominal pain and offensive lochia. Her pulse is 124 bpm and blood pressure is 94/60 mmHg. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Arrange emergency hospital admission for suspected puerperal sepsis

This is suspected puerperal sepsis with shock features and needs emergency assessment, cultures, intravenous antibiotics and resuscitation. Oral antibiotics with delayed review are unsafe when tachycardia and hypotension are present. Lochia can vary, but offensive discharge plus systemic illness is concerning. Contraception discussion should wait until acute illness is managed.

Reference: NICE NG51; NICE NG194