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Placental abruption — DIPIMC MCQ

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

HardPaediatric and Obstetric EmergenciesPlacental abruptionDIPIMCDipIMC

A woman at 32 weeks' gestation has severe, constant abdominal pain with a tense, tender uterus. Vaginal bleeding is minimal, she is hypotensive and there is evidence of fetal distress.

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Treat as a concealed haemorrhage with intravenous access, fluids or blood, left lateral tilt and urgent transfer

Explanation lettering: C = shown as B · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · B = shown as E

Severe constant pain with a tense, tender uterus and shock that is out of proportion to the visible bleeding suggests placental abruption with a concealed haemorrhage, so the patient is resuscitated with access, fluids or blood and a left lateral tilt and transferred urgently. Reassurance based on minimal external bleeding (A) dangerously underestimates the hidden loss. In abruption, the amount of revealed bleeding can badly mislead you.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines; obstetric emergency guidance