Match each obstetric examination component during labour with the clinical findings it primarily assesses:
1. General examination
2. Abdominal examination
3. Vaginal examination
Targets:
A. Maternal vital signs and overall systemic stability
B. Fetal lie, presentation, abdominal descent, and contraction frequency
C. Cervical dilatation, effacement, membrane status, and fetal station
Answer
1-A, 2-B, 3-C
Explanation
Each examination contributes different information. General examination assesses maternal condition, abdominal examination evaluates fetal lie and progress-related features, and vaginal examination assesses cervical and presenting-part findings. Together with history, these data help establish labour stage and anticipate problems. **Key takeaway:** Use complementary examinations rather than relying on one finding.\n\n**Glossary:** **Station**: level of the presenting part in relation to the maternal ischial spines.