Question

Shoulder dystocia is managed by:

• A. Sharp flexion of the hip joints towards the abdomen
• B. Suprapubic pressure
• C. 90 degree rotation of the posterior shoulder
• D. Emergency caesarean section

Hint:

The 'P' in HELPERR - press just above the pubis to free the shoulder.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency where the fetal anterior shoulder impacts behind the maternal pubic symphysis after delivery of the head. Management follows the HELPERR sequence.
Step 2: A key early and effective step is applying suprapubic pressure (the P in HELPERR), which pushes the impacted anterior shoulder down and under the symphysis to disimpact it. Among the given options suprapubic pressure is the standard manoeuvre, so option 2 is correct.
Step 3: Why the others are less right. Sharp flexion of the hips toward the abdomen is the McRoberts manoeuvre, which is helpful but the option here is phrased loosely and suprapubic pressure is the more specific listed answer. Rotational manoeuvres exist (Rubin and Woods) but are not simply a fixed 90 degree rotation of the posterior shoulder as worded. Emergency caesarean is a last resort, not the initial management of an already-delivered head.