Diastasis recti abdominis is:
A type of pregnancy-induced hypertension
Separation of the rectus abdominis muscles in the midline
A neurological disorder affecting balance
A permanent abdominal muscle tear
The Correct Answer is B
Diastasis recti abdominis is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba, usually due to stretching from the enlarging uterus and hormonal effects on connective tissue. The gap may exceed 2 cm, measured at the umbilicus. It presents with a midline bulge when abdominal muscles are contracted but does not involve a true fascial defect as in hernia. Risk factors include multiparity, multiple gestations, and advanced maternal age.
Rationale for correct answer
2. Diastasis recti abdominis is specifically defined as the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the linea alba. It occurs due to mechanical stretching of the abdominal wall during pregnancy combined with hormonal softening of connective tissues. This makes the option scientifically accurate.
Rationale for incorrect answers
1. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a hypertensive disorder occurring after 20 weeks of gestation, defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg on two occasions. It has no relation to abdominal muscle separation and involves vascular pathophysiology, not musculoskeletal changes.
3. Neurological disorders affecting balance involve dysfunction of the cerebellum, vestibular system, or proprioception. Diastasis recti is purely a musculoskeletal and connective tissue condition and does not affect neural pathways or balance.
4. A permanent abdominal muscle tear implies actual rupture of muscle fibers. Diastasis recti does not involve tearing but rather stretching and thinning of the linea alba with separation of muscle bellies. It may improve postpartum with exercises or persist without complications of a true tear.
Take home points
• Diastasis recti abdominis is the separation of rectus muscles along the linea alba.
• The condition is due to uterine expansion and hormonal effects on connective tissue.
• It differs from hernia and muscle tears, as no fascial defect or rupture occurs.
• Risk factors include multiple pregnancies, advanced maternal age, and increased intra-abdominal pressure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Constipation in pregnancyis common due to hormonal and mechanical factors. Progesteronerelaxes smooth muscle, slowing colonic transit, while the enlarging uterus compresses the intestines. Normal bowel movement frequency ranges from 3 times/day to 3 times/week. Low fiberintake (<25 g/day), reduced activity, and inadequate hydrationworsen symptoms. Typical clinical features are infrequent stools, straining, and hard stool consistency. Preventive strategies include dietary fiber >25–30 g/day, fluid intake >2 L/day, regular exercise, and meal pattern adjustment.
Rationale for correct answers
1.Increased fiber intake enhances stool bulk and water retention, stimulating peristalsis. Daily intake of 25–30 g is recommended for pregnant women to prevent constipation.
3.Regular exercise improves bowel motility by stimulating colonic activity. Activities like walking 30 minutes daily are safe and effective in pregnancy.
5.Promoting small, frequent meals helps regulate digestion, prevents gastric overfilling, and maintains steady bowel function. This supports peristalsis and reduces bloating.
Rationale for incorrect answers
2.Reducing fluid intake worsens constipation. Adequate hydration (≥2 L/day) softens stools and supports normal bowel function. Low fluid intake results in harder stools and straining.
4.Avoiding stool softeners is incorrect. Stool softeners such as docusate sodium are considered safe in pregnancy and may be used when lifestyle measures are insufficient. They reduce straining without systemic absorption.
Take home points
• Progesterone-induced smooth muscle relaxation slows bowel transit in pregnancy.
• Adequate fiber, fluids, and exercise are first-line preventive strategies.
• Small frequent meals regulate digestion and reduce bloating.
• Stool softeners are safe in pregnancy if lifestyle changes are inadequate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Goodell’s signis the softening of the cervical tipobserved around 6–8 weeks of pregnancy. It is caused by increased vascularity, hyperplasia, and hypertrophyof cervical glands due to estrogen and progesterone. Normal cervical tissue is firm, but with increased blood flow and edema, the cervix becomes softand pliable.
Rationale for correct answer
3.Goodell’s sign results from increased vascularity leading to engorgement, along with hyperplasia and hypertrophy of cervical glands. Estrogen increases blood flow and stimulates cervical tissue changes, causing the softening of the cervix detected on pelvic exam.
Rationale for incorrect answers
1.Decreased vascularity would make the cervix less perfused and firmer, not softer. Goodell’s sign specifically results from increased blood flow, not reduction.
2.Increased collagen content makes tissue more rigid and firm. In pregnancy, cervical collagen is remodeled and partially degraded, contributing to softening, not increased firmness.
4.Uterine contractions do not cause early cervical softening. Contractions influence cervical effacement and dilation during labor, but Goodell’s sign occurs in early pregnancy before labor begins.
Take home points
• Goodell’s sign is cervical softening detected at 6–8 weeks of pregnancy.
• It results from increased vascularity, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of cervical glands.
• Increased collagen would firm the cervix, but in pregnancy collagen is remodeled for softness.
• Uterine contractions affect dilation in labor, not early pregnancy softening.
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