North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the North American Registry of Midwives Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following is a potential outcome of untreated vasa previa?

  1. Multiple births

  2. Maternal infection

  3. Fetal blood vessel rupture

  4. Increased gestational diabetes risk

The correct answer is: Fetal blood vessel rupture

In the context of untreated vasa previa, the most direct and severe potential outcome is fetal blood vessel rupture. Vasa previa occurs when fetal blood vessels cross or run near the internal cervical os, and these vessels are at significant risk of rupture during labor or when the membranes break. This condition can lead to rapid fetal hemorrhage, which is life-threatening. The fetus relies on continuous blood flow for oxygen and nutrients, and if these vessels rupture, it can result in catastrophic outcomes for the fetus, including death if not promptly managed. Other options, while they may involve complications in pregnancy, do not relate directly to the specific risks posed by vasa previa. Understanding the implications of vasa previa emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and preparedness for emergencies related to fetal blood vessel integrity.