Which history makes combined oral contraceptive pills unsuitable for a woman?

Deep vein thrombosis in a previous pregnancy

Iron deficiency anaemia from heavy periods

Irregular cycles with mild acne

Painful periods since her teens

A 26-year-old woman comes 96 hours after unprotected intercourse on day 13 of a regular 28-day cycle. She wants to avoid pregnancy and has no contraindication to any method. Which is the most effective option?

Start a progestogen-only pill daily

During an antenatal ultrasound, the woman asks the nurse to tell her whether the baby is a boy or a girl. What is the nurse's best response?

Explain the law forbids revealing the baby's sex in any way

Tell her only if the scan report shows the sex clearly

Tell her it can be revealed after 20 weeks

Hint at the sex without saying it in so many words

Two weeks after a vasectomy, a man asks whether he and his wife can stop using condoms. What should the nurse advise?

Use condoms until a 3-month semen test shows no sperm

Stop condoms now, as the vas deferens is already divided

Stop using condoms once scrotal swelling and pain settle

Continue condoms only until the stitches are removed

Gynaecology, family planning and reproductive health

24 AIIMS NORCET (Nursing Officer) practice questions on Gynaecology, family planning and reproductive health, part of Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing. The first 24 are below; the first 5 with answers and explanations (tap Show answer after you have chosen), the rest in Learn with a free account.

Question 1 · Easy
Under India's Antara programme, the injectable contraceptive DMPA 150 mg is given by deep IM injection once every:
1. AOne month (4 weeks)
2. BThree months (12 weeks)
3. CSix months (24 weeks)
4. DOne year (52 weeks)
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B · Three months (12 weeks)
Antara is the government's injectable contraceptive: DMPA (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) 150 mg deep IM every three months. It suits breastfeeding women from six weeks after delivery because it contains no oestrogen. Irregular bleeding or amenorrhoea is common, and fertility may take several months to return after stopping. The nurse records the next due date on the Antara card so the woman returns on time.
- A: Monthly injections are combined injectables, not the DMPA used in Antara.
- C: Six months is twice the dosing interval of DMPA.
- D: No injectable in the programme lasts a full year.
Question 2 · Medium
Which history makes combined oral contraceptive pills unsuitable for a woman?
1. AIron deficiency anaemia from heavy periods
2. BDeep vein thrombosis in a previous pregnancy
3. CIrregular cycles with mild acne
4. DPainful periods since her teens
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B · Deep vein thrombosis in a previous pregnancy
Oestrogen raises clotting factors, so a past deep vein thrombosis makes the combined pill unsafe (WHO category 4). Other strong contraindications are migraine with aura, smoking at 35 or older, breast cancer, active liver disease and uncontrolled hypertension. The other conditions listed actually improve with the pill. Such a woman can use a copper IUCD or a progestogen-only method.
- A: The pill reduces menstrual blood loss and helps anaemia.
- C: The pill regulates cycles and can improve acne.
- D: The pill relieves primary dysmenorrhoea.
Question 3 · Hard
A 26-year-old woman comes 96 hours after unprotected intercourse on day 13 of a regular 28-day cycle. She wants to avoid pregnancy and has no contraindication to any method. Which is the most effective option?
1. AInsert a copper IUCD now
2. BStart a progestogen-only pill daily
3. CGive levonorgestrel 1.5 mg now
4. DStart the combined pill today
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A · Insert a copper IUCD now
A copper IUCD inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex is the most effective emergency contraceptive, preventing over 99% of pregnancies, and it then gives long-term protection. Levonorgestrel works best within 72 hours and loses effect with time, and it is least useful once ovulation is near, as on day 13. Starting a regular pill does not act as emergency contraception.
- B: A daily mini-pill is regular contraception, not an emergency method.
- C: Levonorgestrel at 96 hours near ovulation is less effective than an IUCD.
- D: Starting the combined pill now does not prevent this pregnancy.
Question 4 · Medium
During an antenatal ultrasound, the woman asks the nurse to tell her whether the baby is a boy or a girl. What is the nurse's best response?
1. ATell her only if the scan report shows the sex clearly
2. BTell her it can be revealed after 20 weeks
3. CHint at the sex without saying it in so many words
4. DExplain the law forbids revealing the baby's sex in any way
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D · Explain the law forbids revealing the baby's sex in any way
The PCPNDT Act 1994 forbids anyone, including doctors, nurses and staff, to tell the pregnant woman or her relatives the sex of the fetus by words, signs or any other manner. The Act aims to stop sex-selective abortion and the falling child sex ratio. Breaking it is punishable with imprisonment and a fine. The nurse explains this kindly and does not hint.
- A: The sex must not be disclosed, however clear the scan is.
- B: The ban applies at every stage of pregnancy.
- C: Signs and hints are also forbidden by the Act.
Question 5 · Hard
Two weeks after a vasectomy, a man asks whether he and his wife can stop using condoms. What should the nurse advise?
1. AUse condoms until a 3-month semen test shows no sperm
2. BStop condoms now, as the vas deferens is already divided
3. CStop using condoms once scrotal swelling and pain settle
4. DContinue condoms only until the stitches are removed
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A · Use condoms until a 3-month semen test shows no sperm
Sperm already stored in the vas and seminal vesicles beyond the cut can still cause pregnancy for some weeks after vasectomy. Condoms or another method are used for about 3 months, until semen analysis shows no sperm. Only then is he considered sterile. Pregnancy in this period is a common cause of a supposed failure.
- B: Dividing the vas does not remove sperm already stored beyond the cut.
- C: Healing of the wound says nothing about sperm in the semen.
- D: Removing stitches is a wound step, not proof of sterility.
Question 6 · Hard
A 19-year-old rape survivor is 22 weeks pregnant and asks for termination. Under the MTP (Amendment) Act 2021, which statement is correct?
1. AIt needs her parents' written consent
2. BIt needs approval from a state medical board
3. CIt is allowed on the opinion of two registered doctors
4. DIt is not allowed after 20 weeks for any reason at all
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 7 · Easy
Most carcinomas of the cervix arise from which region?
1. AThe vaginal fornix
2. BThe endocervical glands deep in the canal
3. CThe internal os
4. DThe transformation zone
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 8 · Easy
The levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill used in India is taken as:
1. A1.5 mg once before the next expected period
2. B30 µg daily starting the day after unprotected sex
3. C1.5 mg once within 72 hours of unprotected sex
4. D0.75 mg daily for 5 days after unprotected sex
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 9 · Medium
A woman is booked for a Pap smear next week. Which instruction should the nurse give her?
1. AFast from midnight before the appointment
2. BAvoid douching, sex and vaginal creams for 2 days before
3. CBook the test during her menstrual bleeding
4. DCome with a full bladder for the speculum examination
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 10 · Medium
A mother 7 months after delivery is breastfeeding fully, has not yet had a period, and relies on the lactational amenorrhoea method. What is the best advice?
1. AStart another method only once weaning begins
2. BStart another method, as LAM fails after six months
3. CContinue LAM safely until her first period returns
4. DContinue LAM for as long as she keeps breastfeeding
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 11 · Medium
A woman using the combined pill (Mala-N) realises at 8 a.m. that she forgot yesterday's active pill. What is the correct advice?
1. AStop this packet and start a new packet tomorrow
2. BSkip the missed pill and use condoms for the next 7 days
3. CTake the missed pill now and today's pill at the usual time
4. DTake two pills daily for the rest of the packet
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 12 · Easy
Under the MTP (Amendment) Act 2021, a pregnancy of up to 20 weeks may be terminated on the opinion of:
1. AA state-level medical board
2. BA district magistrate
3. COne registered medical practitioner
4. DTwo registered medical practitioners
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 13 · Medium
A woman 3 weeks after a normal delivery asks for laparoscopic sterilisation. What should the nurse explain?
1. AIt is done only within 7 days of delivery
2. BIt needs her husband's written consent first
3. CIt can be done today, as the uterus has involuted
4. DIt is done only 6 weeks or more after delivery
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 14 · Medium
Procidentia, the third degree of uterine prolapse in Indian gynaecology texts, means that:
1. AThe cervix and uterine body lie outside the introitus
2. BThe anterior vaginal wall bulges with the uterus in place
3. CThe cervix descends but stays within the vagina
4. DOnly the external os protrudes through the introitus
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 15 · Medium
In the work-up of an infertile woman, hysterosalpingography is scheduled:
1. ADuring the days of heaviest menstrual flow
2. BIn the week after ovulation
3. CJust before the next period is due
4. DAfter menstrual bleeding stops and before ovulation
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 16 · Medium
The necessary cause of nearly all carcinomas of the cervix is:
1. ARepeated infection with herpes simplex virus type 2
2. BChronic Trichomonas vaginalis infection
3. CPersistent infection with high-risk HPV types such as 16 and 18
4. DLong-term use of combined oral contraceptives
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 17 · Hard
A primigravida at 20 weeks with a known 6 cm intramural fibroid develops sudden pain over the fibroid, low-grade fever of 37.9°C and mild leucocytosis. The fetal heart is present and there is no bleeding. What is the most likely complication, and its usual management?
1. ASarcomatous change; hysterectomy
2. BAbruptio placentae; urgent delivery
3. CTorsion of the fibroid; emergency myomectomy
4. DRed degeneration; bed rest and analgesics
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 18 · Hard
A woman with a copper IUCD for 1 year has missed her period by 2 weeks and now has one-sided lower abdominal pain and slight vaginal spotting. Her urine pregnancy test is positive. What should the nurse suspect and do first?
1. AEctopic pregnancy; report to the doctor at once
2. BIUCD expulsion; arrange a new insertion
3. CPelvic infection; give oral antibiotics
4. DNormal pregnancy; book her antenatal visit
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 19 · Easy
The most common type of uterine fibroid, by its position in the uterine wall, is:
1. ASubmucous
2. BBroad ligament
3. CSubserous
4. DIntramural
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 20 · Easy
Menopause is confirmed in retrospect when a woman in her late forties or fifties has had no menstrual period for:
1. A24 consecutive months
2. B6 consecutive months
3. C3 consecutive months
4. D12 consecutive months
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 21 · Medium
A woman who had a copper IUCD inserted 3 months ago says she can no longer feel its threads. What should the nurse advise first?
1. AUse condoms and come for an examination
2. BHave it replaced at the next routine visit
3. CPull gently on the cervix to find the threads
4. DHave nothing done unless pain develops
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 22 · Medium
A 22-year-old woman has periods every 2-3 months, acne, coarse hair on the chin and a BMI of 31. Ultrasound shows many small peripheral follicles in both ovaries. What is the most likely diagnosis?
1. APolycystic ovary syndrome
2. BPrimary hypothyroidism
3. CTurner syndrome
4. DPremature ovarian insufficiency
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 23 · Hard
A 58-year-old obese woman with diabetes and hypertension reports vaginal spotting. She has not menstruated for 6 years and takes no hormones. Which condition must be ruled out first?
1. AEndometrial carcinoma
2. BAtrophic vaginitis
3. CUterine fibroid
4. DCervical ectropion
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account
Question 24 · Easy
Under India's national programme for non-communicable diseases, women aged 30-65 years are screened for carcinoma cervix at the primary level by:
1. ACone biopsy of the cervix
2. BVisual inspection with acetic acid
3. CLiquid-based cytology (Papanicolaou)
4. DColposcopy with directed biopsy
Answer and explanation in LearnFree account

More Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing questions

Answer them one by one, keep your score and see your weak topics in Learn. Signed-out visitors try 25 per exam; sign in with Google to see them all.

Study Obstetric and Gynaecological Nursing

Gynaecology, family planning and reproductive health

Under India's Antara programme, the injectable contraceptive DMPA 150 mg is given by deep IM injection once every:

Which history makes combined oral contraceptive pills unsuitable for a woman?

A 26-year-old woman comes 96 hours after unprotected intercourse on day 13 of a regular 28-day cycle. She wants to avoid pregnancy and has no contraindication to any method. Which is the most effective option?

During an antenatal ultrasound, the woman asks the nurse to tell her whether the baby is a boy or a girl. What is the nurse's best response?

Two weeks after a vasectomy, a man asks whether he and his wife can stop using condoms. What should the nurse advise?

A 19-year-old rape survivor is 22 weeks pregnant and asks for termination. Under the MTP (Amendment) Act 2021, which statement is correct?

Most carcinomas of the cervix arise from which region?

The levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill used in India is taken as:

A woman is booked for a Pap smear next week. Which instruction should the nurse give her?

A mother 7 months after delivery is breastfeeding fully, has not yet had a period, and relies on the lactational amenorrhoea method. What is the best advice?

A woman using the combined pill (Mala-N) realises at 8 a.m. that she forgot yesterday's active pill. What is the correct advice?

Under the MTP (Amendment) Act 2021, a pregnancy of up to 20 weeks may be terminated on the opinion of:

A woman 3 weeks after a normal delivery asks for laparoscopic sterilisation. What should the nurse explain?

Procidentia, the third degree of uterine prolapse in Indian gynaecology texts, means that:

In the work-up of an infertile woman, hysterosalpingography is scheduled:

The necessary cause of nearly all carcinomas of the cervix is:

A primigravida at 20 weeks with a known 6 cm intramural fibroid develops sudden pain over the fibroid, low-grade fever of 37.9°C and mild leucocytosis. The fetal heart is present and there is no bleeding. What is the most likely complication, and its usual management?

A woman with a copper IUCD for 1 year has missed her period by 2 weeks and now has one-sided lower abdominal pain and slight vaginal spotting. Her urine pregnancy test is positive. What should the nurse suspect and do first?

The most common type of uterine fibroid, by its position in the uterine wall, is:

Menopause is confirmed in retrospect when a woman in her late forties or fifties has had no menstrual period for:

A woman who had a copper IUCD inserted 3 months ago says she can no longer feel its threads. What should the nurse advise first?

A 22-year-old woman has periods every 2-3 months, acne, coarse hair on the chin and a BMI of 31. Ultrasound shows many small peripheral follicles in both ovaries. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 58-year-old obese woman with diabetes and hypertension reports vaginal spotting. She has not menstruated for 6 years and takes no hormones. Which condition must be ruled out first?

Under India's national programme for non-communicable diseases, women aged 30-65 years are screened for carcinoma cervix at the primary level by: