Labour and delivery: outlet forceps: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Labour and delivery: outlet forceps

Sample item

In the standard classification of forceps delivery, which description corresponds to outlet forceps?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Scalp visible at the introitus without separating the labia, skull on the pelvic floor, rotation not more than 45 degrees

Outlet forceps are applied when the scalp is visible at the introitus without parting the labia, the skull has reached the pelvic floor, the sagittal suture is in the anteroposterior diameter or a direct position, and rotation does not exceed 45 degrees. Low forceps apply when the leading point is at +2 or more but not on the pelvic floor, and mid forceps when the head is engaged but above +2.

Option by option

  • A. Head engaged, with rotation of more than 45 degrees needed

    Rotation of more than 45 degrees takes the delivery out of the outlet category.

  • B. Head engaged with the leading point above station +2

    This describes mid forceps, which carry more risk and are now rarely used.

  • C. Leading point of the skull at station +2 cm or beyond but not yet on the pelvic floor

    This describes low forceps, where the skull has not reached the pelvic floor.

  • D. Scalp visible at the introitus without separating the labia, skull on the pelvic floor, rotation not more than 45 degrees (correct)

    Correct. This is the definition of outlet forceps.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is D, Scalp visible at the introitus without separating the labia, skull on the pelvic floor, rotation not more than 45 degrees. Outlet forceps are applied when the scalp is visible at the introitus without parting the labia, the skull has reached the pelvic floor, the sagittal suture is in the anteroposterior diameter or a direct position, and rotation does not exceed 45 degrees.

Why is "Head engaged, with rotation of more than 45 degrees needed" not the answer?

Rotation of more than 45 degrees takes the delivery out of the outlet category.

Why is "Head engaged with the leading point above station +2" not the answer?

This describes mid forceps, which carry more risk and are now rarely used.

Why is "Leading point of the skull at station +2 cm or beyond but not yet on…" not the answer?

This describes low forceps, where the skull has not reached the pelvic floor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour and delivery: outlet forceps in OBG. Low forceps apply when the leading point is at +2 or more but not on the pelvic floor, and mid forceps when the head is engaged but above +2.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Labour and delivery: outlet forceps?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.