Obstetrics & Gynecology>>>>>Antepartum Care and Fetal Surveillance
Question 2#

Pelvic examination is performed in a 34-year-old P0101 at 34 weeks’ gestation who is in labor. The patient is noted to be 6 cm dilated, and completely effaced with the fetal nose and mouth palpable. The chin is pointing toward the maternal left hip.

This is an example of which of the following?

A. Transverse lie
B. Mentum transverse position
C. Occiput transverse position
D. Brow presentation
E. Vertex presentation

Correct Answer is B

Comment:

The lie of the fetus refers to the relation of the long axis of the fetus to that of the mother, and is classified as longitudinal, transverse, or oblique. The presentation, or presenting part, refers to the portion of the baby that is foremost in the birth canal. The presentation may be cephalic, breech, or shoulder. Cephalic presentations are further classified as vertex, brow, or face. The position is the relative relationship of the presenting part of the fetus to the mother. In this instance, the fetus is cephalic, with the face presenting. In a face presentation, the fetal head is hyperextended so that the occiput is in contact with the fetal back, and the chin (mentum) is presenting. The mentum is the point of reference of the fetus when describing the position of the face. Since the mentum is pointing toward the mother’s left hip, the fetal position is described as mentum transverse. In vertex presentations, the occiput is the point of reference for determining position. In breech presentations, the sacrum is the point of reference.