Puerperal pyrexia is classically defined as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more occurring within which period after delivery or abortion?
- A Within 48 hours
- B Within 7 days
- C Within 14 days ✓
- D Within 42 days
Correct answer: C. Within 14 days
Explanation
Puerperal pyrexia is defined as a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher on any occasion within 14 days of delivery or miscarriage. This broad definition deliberately captures all febrile morbidity, since the source may be genital sepsis, urinary infection, mastitis, respiratory infection, or wound infection. The 42-day figure corresponds to the traditional length of the puerperium, not the surveillance window for pyrexia notification.
Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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