A 25-year-old primigravida delivers vaginally. After placental delivery, the uterus is boggy and bleeding heavily despite oxytocin. Bimanual uterine compression is performed. Which statement about this maneuver is correct?
- A Only the right hand is placed in the vagina
- B Either hand can be placed in the vagina depending on operator comfort ✓
- C Only the left hand is placed in the vagina
- D Both hands remain on the abdomen, none in the vagina
Correct answer: B. Either hand can be placed in the vagina depending on operator comfort
Explanation
In bimanual compression, one hand is placed in the vagina to form a fist against the anterior uterine wall while the other hand compresses the fundus abdominally. The hand placed in the vagina can be either the right or left, depending on operator comfort and positioning. The key is firm counter-compression.
Reference: Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.