True/False MCQ · Caesarean Birth
Concerning post-operative complications of caesarean section, the following statements are correct:
- AA confirmed pelvic abscess is best managed by antibiotics alone without drainage
- BWound infection is a recognised infective complication
- CInfective complications classically present around day 5
- DBreast abscess is a recognised infective complication
- ESevere sepsis may require ICU-level monitoring
Show answers and explanation
- A. False: A pelvic abscess requires drainage (ultrasound-guided aspiration); antibiotics alone are insufficient.
- B. True
- C. True
- D. True
- E. True
Post-caesarean infective complications
Infection is a major post-operative concern, typically presenting around day 5.
Sites of infection
- Urinary tract infection.
- Respiratory tract infection.
- Pelvic infection or abscess.
- Wound infection.
- Breast abscess.
Assessment and management
- Investigate to find the site: CRP/procalcitonin, FBC and cultures, urine FR and culture, chest X-ray, wound/vaginal culture, imaging/ultrasound.
- Resuscitate (wide-bore cannula, Hartmann's), take blood cultures, start broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Severe sepsis may need ICU monitoring.
- A confirmed abscess requires drainage (ultrasound-guided aspiration) - source control, not antibiotics alone.
Why A is false
An abscess needs drainage; antibiotics alone will not clear it.
Why B is true
Wound infection is a listed complication.
Why C is true
Day-5 presentation is classic.
Why D is true
Breast abscess is a recognised complication.
Why E is true
Severe sepsis may require ICU monitoring.
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