NREMT Paramedic Practice

What occurs when an infant presents in a transverse lie?

1. The infant's head is delivered first

2. The infant cannot be delivered normally

3. The infant is in a breech position

4. The infant is completely engaged in the birth canal

The correct answer is: The infant cannot be delivered normally

When an infant presents in a transverse lie, this indicates that the infant is positioned horizontally across the uterus rather than the typical vertical alignments (either head down or breech). In this position, it is physically impossible for the infant to be delivered vaginally because the shoulder would be the presenting part, not the head. This scenario often requires delivery via cesarean section to ensure the safety of both the mother and the infant. In this context, the other options do not accurately describe the situation. Delivering the infant head-first is not possible due to the transverse orientation. The term "breech position" specifically refers to the infant's buttocks or feet presenting first, while transverse lie indicates that the baby is positioned sideways. Lastly, when discussing engagement in the birth canal, a transverse lie does not lead to engagement as it’s not in the proper position for such an occurrence. This clarification reinforces the critical understanding of fetal positions and the implications for delivery methods in obstetric care.