EMQ — Extended Matching Question · Review
Question 237
Delivery suite → Haemorrhage
Classification
Question
EEMQAnswer Bank
Correct Answer
Explanation
Several factors in this history are associated with placental abruption, but previous placental abruption is the strongest risk factor for recurrence. This question requires prioritisation among several genuine associations rather than simple identification of any risk factor. Smoking, hypertensive disease, maternal age and reproductive factors may all contribute to risk, but a previous abruption carries particular importance when counselling and planning surveillance in a subsequent pregnancy.
Option Validity
B) Increasing maternal age is associated with abruption but is not the strongest factor presented.
C) Assisted reproductive treatment has an association with abruption but is less important than a previous abruption.
D) Smoking is a recognised risk factor but does not exceed the recurrence risk conferred by previous abruption.
E) Multiparity may be associated with increased risk but is not the dominant factor here.
F) Hypertensive disease is an important association but previous abruption remains the strongest risk factor in this history.
G) Singleton pregnancy is not the strongest adverse risk factor presented.
H) Previous preterm delivery alone is less specific than a documented previous placental abruption.
Further Reading
RCOG Green-top Guideline No. 63. Antepartum Haemorrhage. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; 2011.