Free ARDMS Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the ARDMS Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which uterine layer produces the contractions that expel the fetus during labor?

   1. A.Endometrium
   2. B.MyometriumCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Perimetrium
   4. D.Endocervical mucosa

   Explanation: OpenStax identifies the myometrium as a "thick layer of smooth muscle responsible for uterine contractions." The endometrium lines the cavity, the perimetrium covers the exterior, and endocervical mucosa lines the cervical canal; none is the principal contractile layer.

   Reference: OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology, section 27.2 (Rice University) — The Uterus and Cervix, uterine wall layers

2. 2Which membrane directly encloses the fluid-filled cavity surrounding the early embryo?

   1. A.Decidua basalis
   2. B.Chorion
   3. C.AmnionCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Yolk-sac wall

   Explanation: OpenStax states, "The amnion fills with amniotic fluid and eventually grows to surround the embryo." The chorion is the outer extraembryonic membrane, the decidua is maternal endometrium, and the yolk sac is a separate extraembryonic structure.

   Reference: OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology, section 28.2 (Rice University) — Embryonic Membranes, amnion

3. 3Which fetal shunt directs part of the umbilical venous return toward the inferior vena cava while bypassing hepatic sinusoids?

   1. A.Ductus arteriosus
   2. B.Foramen ovale
   3. C.Ductus venosusCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Coronary sinus

   Explanation: The textbook identifies flow toward the inferior vena cava “via the ductus venosus shunt.” The ductus arteriosus connects pulmonary and systemic arterial pathways, the foramen ovale connects atria, and the coronary sinus returns myocardial venous blood.

   Reference: OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology, section 28.3 (Rice University) — The Fetal Circulatory System

4. 4A gynecologic ultrasound referral does not state the clinical indication. What initial action best supports selection and interpretation of the appropriate examination?

   1. A.Clarify the referral reason and obtain pertinent gynecologic historyCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Automatically perform an ovarian-reserve follicle-count protocol
   3. C.Automatically perform a fetal-growth biometry protocol
   4. D.Restrict the examination to a bladder-volume assessment

   Explanation: The consensus requires the “reason(s) for referral” and relevant clinical information. Clarifying those facts supports the proper examination. Ovarian-reserve, fetal-growth, and bladder-volume protocols have different indications and cannot be selected from an unspecified referral alone.

   Reference: ISUOG Consensus Statement on sonographic assessment of the endometrium — History

5. 5Which sequence best describes the usual early vascular compromise in ovarian pedicle torsion?

   1. A.Venous outflow is impaired before higher-pressure arterial inflowCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Arterial inflow is impaired before venous outflow
   3. C.Arterial inflow and venous outflow must cease simultaneously
   4. D.Arterial inflow must cease completely while venous drainage remains unaffected

   Explanation: The recommendations state "venous flow affected before" high-pressure arterial flow. Lower-pressure venous obstruction can precede arterial signal loss. Reversing that sequence, requiring simultaneous complete cessation, or assuming unaffected venous drainage after complete inflow loss misrepresents the early process.

   Reference: European Society of Emergency Radiology, ESR Essentials: Gynaecological causes of acute pelvic pain — Adnexal torsion

6. 6On a longitudinal uterine image, which region lies superior to the openings of the uterine tubes?

   1. A.Cervix
   2. B.Isthmus of the uterine tube
   3. C.FundusCorrect answer: C
   4. D.Vaginal fornix

   Explanation: The source states, "The portion of the uterus superior to the opening of the uterine tubes is called the fundus." The cervix is inferior, the tubal isthmus is part of the tube, and the vaginal fornix surrounds the protruding cervix.

   Reference: OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology, section 27.2 (Rice University) — The Uterus and Cervix, uterine regions

7. 7An intrauterine fluid collection contains a definite yolk sac. What does that finding establish about the collection?

   1. A.It is a definite gestational sac rather than nonspecific intracavitary fluidCorrect answer: A
   2. B.It proves the embryo will continue to develop normally
   3. C.It determines the chromosomal complement of the embryo
   4. D.It excludes a simultaneous ectopic pregnancy

   Explanation: The SRU consensus calls this "incontrovertible evidence" of pregnancy within the collection. It establishes a definite gestational sac, but does not guarantee future development, reveal chromosomes, or exclude the rare coexistence of an ectopic pregnancy.

   Reference: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound, A Lexicon for First-Trimester US — Gestational sac, yolk sac, and intracavitary fluid

8. 8Which normal fetal communication permits blood to pass directly from the right atrium into the left atrium?

   1. A.Foramen ovaleCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Ductus venosus
   3. C.Ductus arteriosus
   4. D.Pulmonary valve

   Explanation: The source calls the foramen ovale a shunt that “directly connects the right and left atria.” The ductus venosus bypasses part of the liver; the ductus arteriosus joins the pulmonary arterial pathway to the aorta. The pulmonary valve opens from the right ventricle, not between atria.

   Reference: OpenStax, Anatomy and Physiology, section 28.3 (Rice University) — The Fetal Circulatory System

9. 9For a routine transvaginal examination of the uterine cavity, which bladder preparation is generally preferred unless a specific additional bladder assessment is needed?

   1. A.A maximally distended bladder
   2. B.An empty bladderCorrect answer: B
   3. C.A moderately filled bladder
   4. D.A mildly filled bladder

   Explanation: The consensus asks the patient to "empty her bladder" for routine transvaginal examination. Mild, moderate and maximal filling leave differing residual acoustic windows used for other purposes; routine uterine-cavity TVUS generally favors emptying unless a specific bladder assessment requires filling.

   Reference: ISUOG Consensus Statement on sonographic assessment of the endometrium — Scanning technique, Transvaginal ultrasonography

10. 10Doppler shows a myometrial vascular tangle with multidirectional aliasing and turbulent high-velocity flow. Which vascular lesion should be suspected and clarified before routine intrauterine instrumentation?

    1. A.Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm
    2. B.Uterine arteriovenous malformationCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Hypervascular retained products of conception
    4. D.Pelvic venous varices

    Explanation: The essay associates "multidirectional flow with aliasing" in a myometrial vascular tangle with suspected AVM. A pseudoaneurysm more typically has a focal sac and neck; retained products are generally centered in the endometrium. Venous varices have a venous/reflux pattern rather than this arterialized high-velocity network. Further imaging is needed before instrumentation; this pattern raises suspicion rather than replacing full confirmation.

    Reference: Pelvic ultrasonography of the postpartum uterus in patients presenting with vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain — Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation