Practice Quiz

CPM Certified Professional Midwife

Category - The Postpartum Period

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A 30 year-old, postpartum female had a home delivery seven days ago. Since delivery, she has developed not only a high fever and foul-smelling vaginal discharge, but also a rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and generalized abdominal pain. Which of the following is the probable diagnosis?
  1. Puerperal pyrexia
  2. Puerperal sepsis
  3. Urinary tract infection
  4. Renal failure
Explanation
Answer: B - Puerperal sepsis

Puerperal pyrexia is defined as the presence of a fever in a woman, within six weeks of giving birth-which is greater than or equal to 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) or 38 degrees (Centigrade). Puerperal sespsis is a systemic infection of the genital tract that occurs as a complication of delivery.

Causes of puerperal sepsis can include:
1. Bacteria
2. Malnutrition and anemia
3. Delivery in unhygienic conditions
4. Vaginal examinations in unhygienic conditions
5. Infection during cesarean delivery
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