MCH 101 Exam 1 V1 | Anemia, Depression,
and Influenza Insights | William Paterson
University
1. Which lab value is most indicative of iron-deficiency anemia in a pregnant patient?
A. Elevated white blood cell count
B. Elevated platelet count
C. Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
D. Decreased serum ferritin levels
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum ferritin is the most sensitive indicator of iron stores in the body. In iron-
deficiency anemia, these stores are depleted before changes in hemoglobin occur.
Monitoring this value is crucial for assessing nutritional status in maternal health.
2. A patient with postpartum depression (PPD) often presents with which of the following
symptoms?
A. Increased energy and euphoria
B. Persistent sadness and inability to care for the infant
C. Brief crying spells that resolve within two weeks
D. Immediate desire to return to work
,Answer: B
Rationale: Postpartum depression is characterized by deep sadness and a lack of interest
in the newborn. Unlike the ‘baby blues,’ these symptoms persist and interfere with daily
functioning. Early intervention is necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
3. Which type of influenza vaccine is generally recommended for pregnant women?
A. Live attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray)
B. No vaccine is recommended during pregnancy
C. Oral influenza tablets
D. Inactivated influenza vaccine (injection)
Answer: D
Rationale: The inactivated influenza vaccine is safe and highly recommended during any
trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women are at higher risk for severe complications from
the flu due to changes in immune function. The live vaccine is contraindicated because it
contains a weakened live virus.
4. What is the primary purpose of using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)?
A. To diagnose bipolar disorder
B. To screen for postpartum depression
C. To measure infant growth rates
D. To assess labor progression
, Answer: B
Rationale: The EPDS is a widely used 10-item questionnaire designed specifically for the
postpartum period. It helps healthcare providers identify women who may be suffering
from depression or anxiety. A high score indicates a need for further clinical evaluation and
support.
5. A patient with Pernicious Anemia lacks which essential factor for Vitamin B12 absorption?
A. Bile salts
B. Hydrochloric acid
C. Intrinsic factor
D. Insulin
Answer: C
Rationale: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. It
is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Patients without this
factor require lifelong B12 injections or high-dose oral supplements.
6. Influenza is primarily transmitted through which of the following routes?
A. Blood-borne pathogens
B. Contaminated water
C. Respiratory droplets
D. Skin-to-skin contact
and Influenza Insights | William Paterson
University
1. Which lab value is most indicative of iron-deficiency anemia in a pregnant patient?
A. Elevated white blood cell count
B. Elevated platelet count
C. Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
D. Decreased serum ferritin levels
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum ferritin is the most sensitive indicator of iron stores in the body. In iron-
deficiency anemia, these stores are depleted before changes in hemoglobin occur.
Monitoring this value is crucial for assessing nutritional status in maternal health.
2. A patient with postpartum depression (PPD) often presents with which of the following
symptoms?
A. Increased energy and euphoria
B. Persistent sadness and inability to care for the infant
C. Brief crying spells that resolve within two weeks
D. Immediate desire to return to work
,Answer: B
Rationale: Postpartum depression is characterized by deep sadness and a lack of interest
in the newborn. Unlike the ‘baby blues,’ these symptoms persist and interfere with daily
functioning. Early intervention is necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
3. Which type of influenza vaccine is generally recommended for pregnant women?
A. Live attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray)
B. No vaccine is recommended during pregnancy
C. Oral influenza tablets
D. Inactivated influenza vaccine (injection)
Answer: D
Rationale: The inactivated influenza vaccine is safe and highly recommended during any
trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women are at higher risk for severe complications from
the flu due to changes in immune function. The live vaccine is contraindicated because it
contains a weakened live virus.
4. What is the primary purpose of using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)?
A. To diagnose bipolar disorder
B. To screen for postpartum depression
C. To measure infant growth rates
D. To assess labor progression
, Answer: B
Rationale: The EPDS is a widely used 10-item questionnaire designed specifically for the
postpartum period. It helps healthcare providers identify women who may be suffering
from depression or anxiety. A high score indicates a need for further clinical evaluation and
support.
5. A patient with Pernicious Anemia lacks which essential factor for Vitamin B12 absorption?
A. Bile salts
B. Hydrochloric acid
C. Intrinsic factor
D. Insulin
Answer: C
Rationale: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. It
is necessary for the absorption of Vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Patients without this
factor require lifelong B12 injections or high-dose oral supplements.
6. Influenza is primarily transmitted through which of the following routes?
A. Blood-borne pathogens
B. Contaminated water
C. Respiratory droplets
D. Skin-to-skin contact
