Labour and delivery: Matthews Duncan placenta: 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: Matthews Duncan placenta

Sample item

During the third stage, the placenta is expelled with its rough maternal surface presenting first, and the membranes trail behind. Which mechanism of placental separation is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Matthews Duncan

In the Matthews Duncan method, separation begins at the lower edge so the maternal surface presents first, with more bleeding before expulsion. In the Schultze method the central area separates first and the shiny fetal surface presents, with bleeding concealed behind the placenta.

Option by option

  • A. Ritgen manoeuvre

    The Ritgen manoeuvre controls delivery of the fetal head and is unrelated to the placenta.

  • B. Schultze method

    In the Schultze method, the shiny fetal surface presents first.

  • C. Matthews Duncan (correct)

    Correct. Edge-first separation presents the rough maternal surface, as in Matthews Duncan expulsion.

  • D. Brandt-Andrews method

    Brandt-Andrews is the technique of controlled cord traction with counter-pressure, not a mechanism of separation.

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 C, Matthews Duncan. In the Matthews Duncan method, separation begins at the lower edge so the maternal surface presents first, with more bleeding before expulsion.

Why is "Ritgen manoeuvre" not the answer?

The Ritgen manoeuvre controls delivery of the fetal head and is unrelated to the placenta.

Why is "Schultze method" not the answer?

In the Schultze method, the shiny fetal surface presents first.

Why is "Brandt-Andrews method" not the answer?

Brandt-Andrews is the technique of controlled cord traction with counter-pressure, not a mechanism of separation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour and delivery: Matthews Duncan placenta in OBG. In the Schultze method the central area separates first and the shiny fetal surface presents, with bleeding concealed behind the placenta.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: Matthews Duncan placenta?

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.