Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 11
Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.
SAQ 11.1 (tests Learning Outcomes 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3)
Which of the following statements is false? In each case, say why it is incorrect.
A Listening to the fetal heartbeat using a stethoscope is called auscultation.
B When the fetal head is down and the bottom of the fetus is up in the fundus, it is called a vertical lie.
C In a vertex presentation, the presenting part is the baby’s bottom.
D The fetal heart rate is normally 120 to 160 beats a minute.
E If the fetal heartbeat sounds loudest below the mother’s bellybutton, the fetal lie is probably breech.
Answer
A True. Listening to the fetal heart beat using a stethoscope is called auscultation.
B True. When the fetal head is down and the bottom of the fetus is up in the fundus, it is called a vertical lie.
C False. In a vertex presentation, the presenting part is the baby’s head.
D True. The fetal heart rate is normally 120 to 160 beats a minute.
E False. In a breech presentation, the fetal heartbeat sounds loudest above the mother’s bellybutton.
Read the following case study carefully, and then answer SAQs 11.2 to 11.4.
Case Study 11.1 Bekelech
Bekelech came for her antenatal check-up at the eighth month of pregnancy. When you palpated her abdomen, you found a hard, round mass in the fundus of the uterus, and a soft, irregular, bulky mass towards the symphysis pubic. Bekelech told you that in the past week the baby’s kick had decreased, and when you listened to her abdomen with a fetoscope you could not hear the fetal heartbeat.
SAQ 11.2 (tests Learning Outcome 11.2)
a.Is the fetal lie in Bekelech’s case vertical or transverse? Explain how you reached your conclusion.
b.What is the presenting part in this case?
c.What do you call a fetus presenting in such a manner?
Answer
a.The hard, round mass in the fundus of the uterus is most likely to be the baby’s back, and the soft irregular shapes towards the pubic symphysis are its arms and legs. This is a vertical lie.
b.The bottom is the presenting part.
c.This is called a breech presentation.
SAQ 11.3 (tests Learning Outcome 11.3)
Where would you listen to the fetal heartbeat to confirm your diagnosis of how Bekelech’s baby is presenting, and why?
Answer
You would listen for the fetal heartbeat above Bekelech’s bellybutton because, if the baby is breech, its heartbeat will sound loudest there. (Look again at Figure 11.12 if you are not sure why this is so.)
SAQ 11.4 (tests Learning Outcomes 11.3 and 11.4)
What do you suspect is the condition of Bekelech’s baby, and what action should you take?
Answer
The baby may be sick, or even dead, because Bekelech says it isn’t kicking and you can’t hear a fetal heartbeat. You should refer her to a health facility immediately.
Summary of Study Session 11