10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free CPD questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Professional Doula blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
Before labor, a client asked the doula to help avoid an epidural. During labor, the client now clearly requests one, asks relevant questions, and understands the discussion. The partner says, 'You promised to stick to the birth plan.' The doula's responsibility is to:
Correct answer: C - Support the revised preference and communicate the request to the clinical team.
A fertility clinic reports that clients who chose a relaxation class reported less anxiety after in vitro fertilization (IVF) than nonattendees. Attendance was voluntary. Anxiety was not measured beforehand, and the groups were not otherwise compared. A doula wants to advertise that the class reduces IVF anxiety. What is the strongest limitation of that claim?
Correct answer: C - The groups may have differed in anxiety before the class.
A gestational carrier has authorized the doula to send appointment dates to the intended parents, but not personal health notes. An intended parent paying the doula's fees requests both the next appointment date and the carrier's private account of a previous pregnancy loss. There is no emergency. What may the doula share on the existing authorization?
Correct answer: B - The appointment date, but not the loss history without additional permission.
An epidural is providing good pain relief, but the laboring client feels pressure over one hip and asks to turn. Both legs remain heavy. The nurse is available, and no positioning restriction has been ordered. Which division of responsibilities is appropriate?
Correct answer: A - Have the nurse assess and lead the turn; assist with positioning and pillows.
A 6-day-old term infant breastfeeds 11 times in 24 hours. The parent reports three wet diapers, one dark stool, little audible swallowing, and increasing yellowing of the skin. The infant wakes for feeds. Which interpretation should guide the doula's response?
Correct answer: C - Milk transfer may be inadequate despite frequent feeds; contact the pediatric clinician promptly.
A client's vaginal-rectal group B Streptococcus (GBS) screen at 37 weeks is positive. The client feels well and plans a vaginal birth. 'Why are antibiotics planned for labor instead of now?' Which explanation addresses the concern accurately?
Correct answer: D - IV antibiotics during labor protect the baby; GBS can return after treatment given earlier.
During a home visit nine days after birth, a client suddenly develops chest pain and severe shortness of breath. The client can speak only a few words at a time. The partner mentions a history of panic attacks and suggests coached breathing. What takes priority?
Correct answer: B - Call emergency services now and remain with the client.
At a seven-week postpartum appointment, a clinician records an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of 16 out of 30, with item 10, concerning self-harm thoughts, scored 0. A separate safety assessment finds no immediate danger. The client asks the doula, 'Does this score prove I have depression?' Which reply correctly interprets the result?
Correct answer: D - It signals a need for clinical follow-up, but it does not establish a diagnosis.
Two contracted clients enter labor on the same evening. The doula is already attending one when the second calls for support. Both contracts provide for a named, qualified backup when births overlap. The second client has met that backup and authorized the relevant information sharing. The backup confirms availability. How should coverage be arranged?
Correct answer: B - Activate the agreed backup for the second client and provide a focused handoff.
Which allegation falls most directly within professional liability, rather than the general premises or property risks of a doula practice?
Correct answer: A - A client was harmed by negligent feeding guidance provided during a postpartum visit.
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