MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What should you do if a pregnant woman's water breaks and the baby is coming out feet first?

1. Attempt to deliver the baby on scene

2. Put the mother in your car and drive her to the hospital

3. Call for an ambulance immediately

4. Comfort the mother until help arrives

The correct answer is: Put the mother in your car and drive her to the hospital

The situation involving a pregnant woman whose water has broken and the baby is presenting feet first, which indicates a breech delivery, is potentially dangerous and requires prompt action. The correct choice entails calling for emergency assistance, as the delivery of a baby in a breech position can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. When a baby's presentation is feet first, it poses significant risks, including the possibility of the umbilical cord becoming compressed or other complications that can arise during delivery. It's crucial to have trained medical personnel handle the situation as they can provide the necessary care and interventions that may be required. Attempting to deliver the baby on scene without proper assistance and equipment can put both the mother and the baby at risk. Transporting the mother yourself is not advisable, either, as it can take valuable time away from receiving medical help and may complicate the delivery. While providing comfort and reassurance to the mother is important, it should be done in conjunction with seeking emergency medical assistance immediately. Therefore, contacting an ambulance ensures that trained professionals arrive on the scene equipped to handle the situation effectively and provide the necessary medical support during the delivery process.