Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What is the primary event that characterizes the third stage of labor?

Delivery of fetus
Delivery of placenta
Recovery of the mother
Administration of postpartum medications

The correct answer is: Delivery of placenta

The primary event that characterizes the third stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta. This stage occurs after the fetus has been delivered and involves the expulsion of the placenta and membranes from the uterus. The timing of this stage typically occurs within 10 to 30 minutes after the birth of the baby, although it can take longer in some cases. Understanding this stage is crucial as it is important for ensuring that the uterus is contracting effectively to minimize bleeding and to ensure that the entire placenta is expelled to prevent complications such as retained placenta. This stage is vital for maternal health, as complications can arise if parts of the placenta remain in the uterus. The other choices refer to events or actions that occur either concurrently with or after the third stage of labor. For instance, the delivery of the fetus marks the end of the second stage of labor, while recovery of the mother and administration of postpartum medications occur after the placenta has been delivered. Therefore, the fundamental focus of the third stage is specifically the delivery of the placenta.