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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Fetal Position Quiz: Identify Presentation and Position Fast

Quick, free fetal presentation quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Diogo CastelhanoUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for OB nursing quiz on fetal position and presentation on golden yellow background.

This fetal position quiz helps you spot fetal presentation and position quickly and build confidence. Use it to check your understanding before a shift or exam, then keep learning with our labor and delivery quiz, review anatomy with a female reproductive anatomy quiz, or prepare further with maternity hesi practice.

What is the most common fetal presentation at term?
Brow
Shoulder
Breech
Cephalic
At term, the fetus most often lies head first in a cephalic presentation, which occurs in over 95% of pregnancies. This position allows the smallest diameter of the fetal head to engage in the maternal pelvis for optimal passage. Non-cephalic presentations like breech or shoulder are much less common and may require special management.
What term describes the relationship of the long axis of the fetus to that of the mother?
Lie
Station
Presentation
Attitude
Fetal lie refers to the orientation of the fetus's long axis relative to the maternal long axis. It can be longitudinal, transverse, or oblique. Attitude describes the relationship of fetal body parts to each other, presentation is the part that enters the pelvic inlet first, and station refers to the level of descent.
Which presentation indicates the buttocks first?
Transverse
Face
Breech
Cephalic
A breech presentation means the fetal buttocks, rather than the head, are leading into the birth canal. Breech can be further classified into frank, complete, or footling types based on the position of the legs. Cephalic, transverse, and face presentations involve head or shoulder parts rather than buttocks.
In which presentation is the fetal head fully extended so that the brow is presenting?
Vertex
Cephalic
Brow
Face
A brow presentation occurs when the fetal head is partially extended and the brow (forehead) is the leading part. In true head extension (face presentation), the face presents and the chin becomes the reference point. Vertex presentation implies complete flexion of the head with the smallest diameter leading.
What does the term "attitude" refer to in fetal positioning?
Level of descent in the pelvis
Relationship of fetus to maternal pelvis
Relationship of fetal body parts to each other
Position of presenting part
Fetal attitude describes the degree of flexion or extension of the fetal head and extremities in relation to the fetal trunk. The normal or ideal attitude for cephalic presentation is complete flexion with chin-to-chest, reducing the head diameter. Other terms like lie, position, and station refer to different aspects of orientation and descent.
Which breech presentation has the hips flexed and knees extended?
Complete breech
Transverse lie
Frank breech
Footling breech
In a frank breech presentation, the fetal hips are flexed and the knees are extended, with the buttocks leading. In a complete breech both hips and knees are flexed, and in footling breech one or both feet present first. Transverse lie involves a shoulder presentation, not a breech variant.
What is the most favorable fetal position for vaginal delivery?
Occiput anterior
Occiput posterior
Breech
Transverse
The occiput anterior position, where the fetal occiput faces the maternal front, aligns the smallest head diameter with the maternal pelvis, facilitating easier descent and rotation. Occiput posterior often leads to prolonged labor and back pain. Transverse and breech presentations are less favorable and often require intervention.
Which assessment technique involves palpating the maternal abdomen to determine fetal lie, presentation, and position?
Ultrasound
Ballotment
Pelvic exam
Leopold's maneuvers
Leopold's maneuvers are a series of four abdominal palpations used to assess fetal lie, presentation, position, and engagement. Ballotment tests for rebound of the floating part. A pelvic exam and ultrasound also assess presentation but are not part of Leopold's systematic approach.
Which presentation involves the shoulder as the presenting part?
Cephalic
Face
Breech
Transverse lie
A transverse lie presents a shoulder or arm as the presenting part at the cervix, making vaginal delivery impossible unless rotated or delivered by cesarean. Cephalic and breech present head or buttocks, while face presentation still involves the head.
In the left occiput anterior (LOA) position, where is the fetal occiput located?
Maternal left posterior quadrant
Maternal right anterior quadrant
Maternal right posterior quadrant
Maternal left anterior quadrant
Left occiput anterior (LOA) means the fetal occiput is directed toward the mother's left and anterior (front) pelvic wall. This position aligns well for rotation and descent during labor. Other quadrants correspond to different occiput positions.
What three-letter abbreviation represents the fetal position right occiput posterior?
LOP
ROP
LOA
ROA
ROP stands for right occiput posterior, indicating the occiput is directed toward the mother's right and posterior pelvic wall. Other codes like LOP, LOA, and ROA describe different anterior or posterior orientations. This coding helps clinicians anticipate labor progress.
Which type of breech presentation has one or both feet presenting first?
Transverse lie
Footling breech
Complete breech
Frank breech
In a footling breech presentation, one or both feet come through the cervix first. Frank breech has buttocks first with legs extended upward. Complete breech has both hips and knees flexed. Transverse lie involves shoulder presentation, not breech.
At what fetal station is the presenting part at the level of the maternal ischial spines?
+2
-1
+1
0
Station 0 indicates that the presenting part is at the level of the maternal ischial spines. Negative stations indicate above the spines, while positive stations indicate descent below. Station helps gauge labor progress and descent of the presenting part.
Which presentation is most associated with difficulty and is commonly scheduled for cesarean delivery?
Transverse lie
Cephalic
Breech
Face
A transverse lie presents the fetus sideways, preventing head or buttocks from engaging the birth canal and leading to an absolute indication for cesarean delivery. Breech and face presentations may sometimes be managed vaginally under specific conditions, but transverse lie cannot.
What distinguishes a face presentation from a brow presentation on vaginal exam?
Palpation of the mentum (chin) and facial features
Palpation of the forehead or brow ridge
Palpation of the occiput
Palpation of the buttocks
In a face presentation, the fetal chin (mentum) and facial features like the nose and mouth are palpable. A brow presentation feels like a hard ridge across the forehead. Palpation helps differentiate these rare head presentations during a pelvic exam.
Which fetal position is least likely to spontaneously rotate to occiput anterior during labor?
Left occiput anterior (LOA)
Right occiput anterior (ROA)
Left occiput transverse (LOT)
Right occiput posterior (ROP)
Right occiput posterior positions have the fetal head directed toward the mother's back on the right side, making rotation to anterior less likely and labor more protracted. Most transverse and anterior positions rotate anteriorly with descent.
During labor, the term "engagement" refers to which event?
Rupture of membranes
Onset of contractions
Descent of the presenting part into the pelvic inlet
Dilatation of the cervix
Engagement occurs when the widest diameter of the presenting part passes the pelvic inlet, typically at station 0 at the ischial spines. This indicates that the fetus is entering the birth canal. It is distinct from rupture of membranes, contractions, or cervical dilation.
What is the normal fetal attitude in an ideal cephalic presentation?
Neutral head position
Full extension of the head
Moderate extension of the head
Complete flexion of the head with chin to chest
The ideal fetal attitude is one of complete flexion, with the chin tucked to the chest, presenting the suboccipitobregmatic diameter, the smallest. This orientation allows optimal fit through the maternal pelvis. Extension or neutral positions increase head diameters and can complicate labor.
Which classification system uses a three-letter code to describe fetal position?
Denham's system
Apgar's
Leopold's
Friedman's
Denham's system assigns three letters to describe fetal position: right or left (R/L), presenting part (O for occiput, S for sacrum, M for mentum, D for denominate), and location (A/P/T). Friedman's curve addresses labor progress, Leopold's maneuvers are palpations, and Apgar's score assesses newborn status.
In a brow presentation, which fetal head diameter is presenting?
Suboccipitobregmatic
Occipitofrontal
Mentovertical
Biparietal
A brow presentation leads with the occipitofrontal diameter, which is larger than the suboccipitobregmatic and may cause obstructed labor. In a full flexion (vertex), the suboccipitobregmatic diameter presents. Face presentation often involves the mentovertical or submentobregmatic.
Which maneuver is specifically used to assist delivery of the aftercoming head in breech presentations?
Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit
Ritgen's manoeuvre
Woods screw manoeuvre
Løvset's manoeuvre
The Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit manoeuvre supports the fetal body on the practitioner's forearm while applying pressure on the maxilla to flex the aftercoming head in breech deliveries. Løvset's manoeuvre rotates the fetal shoulders, Ritgen's controls head extension in vertex birth, and Woods screw rotates the fetal trunk.
Which pelvic configuration is most likely to result in persistent occiput posterior positions?
Anthropoid
Gynecoid
Platypelloid
Android
A platypelloid pelvis has a wide transverse and narrow anteroposterior inlet, hindering rotation of the fetal head into the anterior position and predisposing to persistent occiput posterior. Gynecoid is most favorable, anthropoid allows posterior positions, and android is heart-shaped but less associated with OP.
Which fetal lie is most associated with cord prolapse risk?
Longitudinal lie
Transverse lie
Flexed lie
Oblique lie
In a transverse lie, the fetal presenting part does not fill the pelvic inlet, leaving room for the umbilical cord to slip past into the birth canal, increasing cord prolapse risk. Longitudinal and oblique lies offer more engagement, while "flexed lie" is not a standard term.
Which maternal condition is most likely to predispose to malposition such as face presentation?
Hypertonic uterus
Hypotonic uterus
Cephalopelvic disproportion
Oligohydramnios
Cephalopelvic disproportion may prevent proper internal rotation and flexion of the fetal head, leading to face or brow presentations. Oligohydramnios limits fetal movement but is less directly tied to face presentation. Uterine tone variations affect contraction patterns, not typically fetal attitude.
In which fetal presentation is the submentobregmatic diameter the leading diameter?
Face presentation
Breech presentation
Brow presentation
Vertex presentation
Face presentation leads with the submentobregmatic diameter, running from under the chin (mentum) to the bregma. In brow presentation, the occipitofrontal diameter leads; in vertex, the suboccipitobregmatic; and in breech, body parts.
What attitude increases the presenting head diameter from suboccipitobregmatic to biparietal, making labor more difficult?
Deflexion
Extension
Flexion
Neutral attitude
Deflexion partially opens the fetal head, moving from a well-flexed suboccipitobregmatic diameter to a larger biparietal diameter. Extension rotates the head back, brow then face presentations. Full flexion maintains the smallest diameter.
Which in utero procedure is most recommended for correcting persistent breech at term?
Forceps rotation
Vacuum extraction
Internal podalic version
External cephalic version
External cephalic version (ECV) is the recommended procedure to turn a breech fetus to cephalic at term, usually performed after 37 weeks in a controlled setting. Internal podalic version is rarely used and reserved for emergencies, while forceps or vacuum cannot correct breech lie.
At what gestational age is external cephalic version best attempted to correct breech presentation?
34 weeks
37 weeks
32 weeks
40 weeks
External cephalic version is optimally performed at or after 37 weeks in nulliparous women (and after 36 weeks in multiparous) to minimize reversion and preterm labor risk. Attempting earlier increases the chance of spontaneous reversion to breech.
During ultrasound assessment, which plane best identifies the fetal occiput location?
Oblique plane
Coronal plane
Axial (transverse) plane
Sagittal plane
The transverse (axial) plane at the level of the fetal skull base allows clear identification of the occiput, head circumference, and biparietal diameter for determining fetal position. Sagittal and coronal planes visualize other structures but are less precise for occiput orientation.
Which instrument is contraindicated in occiput posterior deliveries due to risk of fetal trauma?
Elliott forceps
Kielland's forceps
Simpson forceps
Vacuum extractor
Vacuum extraction is generally contraindicated for occiput posterior deliveries because the head often is deflexed, increasing the risk of scalp injury and failed extraction. Forceps, especially Kielland's for rotation or Simpson's for flexion, may be safely used by experienced operators.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common Fetal Presentations -

    After completing this fetal position quiz, you'll be able to recognize and name the main types of fetal presentations used in obstetric nursing assessments.

  2. Differentiate Presentation Variations -

    Use knowledge from the fetal presentation quiz to distinguish between cephalic, breech, and transverse positions and understand their impact on labor progress.

  3. Analyze Clinical Scenarios -

    Assess childbirth position test scenarios to determine appropriate nursing interventions based on maternal and fetal factors.

  4. Apply Accurate Terminology -

    Document findings confidently by applying correct obstetric terms learned from the maternal health nursing quiz section.

  5. Evaluate Management Strategies -

    Use instant feedback from the OB nursing quiz to refine decision-making for safe delivery outcomes and patient education.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Fetal Lie and Presentation Basics -

    Familiarize yourself with the relationship between fetal lie (longitudinal, transverse, oblique) and presentation (cephalic, breech, shoulder). For instance, a longitudinal lie usually accompanies a cephalic presentation, which you'll often see in a fetal position quiz scenario. Remember the mnemonic "LPS" (Lie, Presentation, Station) to keep these concepts straight.

  2. Cephalic Presentation Subtypes -

    Learn the four vertex variations: vertex, military, brow, and face presentations, each defined by how the fetal head is flexed or extended. A vertex presentation (well-flexed head) is the most common, accounting for over 95% of term labors (ACOG, 2021). Use the memory phrase "Very Fine Mothers Birth" (V, F, M, B) to recall the order from most flexed to most extended.

  3. Breech Presentation Classification -

    Differentiate between frank, complete, and footling breech presentations by the position of the legs relative to the torso. Frank breech, where hips flex and knees extend, appears in about 60 - 70% of breech cases (PubMed Central). A helpful mnemonic is "F-F-C" (Frank, Footling, Complete) to quiz yourself during any fetal presentation quiz.

  4. Station and Engagement Concepts -

    Understand the station scale from −5 to +5, referencing the ischial spines: engagement is noted at 0 station when the widest fetal part passes the pelvic inlet. Negative stations mean the presenting part is above the spines, while positive stations indicate descent into the birth canal. These landmarks frequently appear in a childbirth position test, so visualize a clock face or grid to solidify your grasp (March of Dimes).

  5. Leopold's Maneuvers for Assessment -

    Practice the four-step Leopold's maneuvers to determine fetal presentation, position, and attitude: palpating the fundus, sides, presenting part, and engagement. This systematic approach is endorsed by institutions like the March of Dimes for accurate external palpation. Incorporate these maneuvers into your maternal health nursing quiz prep to boost confidence in any obstetric nursing quiz scenario.

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