A 25-year-old primigravida at 40 weeks has been in labour for 18 hours with irregular contractions. Cervix is 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced, vertex at -2 station. Membranes are intact. Fetal heart rate is reassuring. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A Hypotonic uterine dysfunction
• B Active phase arrest
• C Protracted active phase
• D Prolonged latent phase ✓

Explanation

In a primigravida, a latent phase exceeding 18 hours is defined as prolonged latent phase. Active phase arrest requires cervical dilation of at least 6 cm. Protracted active phase refers to slow dilation once the active phase has begun. Hypotonic uterine dysfunction is a cause of poor progress but the diagnosis here is based on the time criterion for the latent phase.

Reference: Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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