IBCLC Exam QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GRADED A
% of breastmilk that is carbohydrates Correct Answer: Approximately 7%
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_milk.
% of breastmilk that is fat Correct Answer: Approximately 4%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 50.
% of breastmilk that is protein Correct Answer: Approximately .8 - 1 %
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant
Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
% of calories in breastmilk from carbohydrates Correct Answer: Approximately
40%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 69.
% of calories in breastmilk from fat Correct Answer: Approximately 50%
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
124.
% of calories in breastmilk from protein Correct Answer: Approximately 10%
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant
Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
Acinus Correct Answer: Any of the small sacs or alveoli that terminate the ducts
and are lined with secretory cells.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. Available online: http://www.merriam-
webster.com/medical/acinus?show=0&t=1296699192
Acrocyanosis Correct Answer: Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet in the
newborn; peripheral cyanosis. Should not persist beyond 24 hours after birth.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Active immunity Correct Answer: Immunity conferred by the production of
antibodies by one's own immune system.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
868.
,Active transport Correct Answer: Passage of drug into breastmilk assisted by
components in breastmilk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 470.
Acyclovir/Zovirax Correct Answer: Antiviral used to treat herpes infections, L2.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
177.
Aerobic bacteria Correct Answer: Bacteria requiring air for metabolic processes.
The breast is colonized with this type of bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
AGA Correct Answer: Appropriate for Gestational Age. Having a birth weight
between the 10th and 90th percentile on intrauterine growth charts.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
671.
Alcohol and breastfeeding Correct Answer: Alcohol can decrease milk supply.
Breastfeeding must be interrupted for 1 hour per drink, or until mother is sober.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
171 & 188.
Aldomet/Methyldopa Correct Answer: Antihypertensive, L2. Frequently used to
treat hypertension during pregnancy. No concerns reported via breastmilk.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 667.
Allergen Correct Answer: A substance that causes an allergic response, such as
foods, drugs, inhalants. Cow's milk is common source for infants.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Αlphalactalbumin Correct Answer: A major protein found in human milk whey.
Assists in processing lactose.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Alveolar ridge Correct Answer: The ridges on the upper and lower jaw where
infant's teeth will grow.
,Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Alveolus, alveoli Correct Answer: Secrete and store milk for let down.
Surrounded by myoepithelial cells, contractile cells and connective tissue.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
80.
Amenorrhea Correct Answer: A natural phase of infertility that takes place when a
mother is exclusively breastfeeding. Menstruation has not returned.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
707 &865.
Amoxicillin Correct Answer: Antibiotic, L2. Observe for change in intestinal
flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
177.
Ampicillin Correct Answer: Antibiotic, L1. Observe for change in intestinal flora,
compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
177.
Anaphylaxis Correct Answer: Hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs)
resulting from sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary.
www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anaphylaxis.
Anchor scar Correct Answer: Surgical technique for breast reduction, slang.
Ankyglossia Correct Answer: A tongue tie. Characterized by a thick, short, or
tight frenulum under the tongue. Can cause breastfeeding issues, such as a painful
latch or inefficient milk transfer.
Anterior pituitary Correct Answer: This gland releases prolactin into the blood
effecting milk production and ejection. It is susceptible to stress.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
91.
, Anthrax Correct Answer: Infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium
(Bacillus anthrax), characterized by external ulcerating nodules or by lesions in the
lungs.
Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary.
www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anthrax.
Antibody Correct Answer: Immunoglobulin formed in response to an antigen,
including bacteria and viruses. Antibodies attack those bacteria or viruses helping
the body resist infection.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Antigen Correct Answer: Substance that stimulates antibody production. May be
dust, food, or bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Apgar score Correct Answer: Index to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant
based on a rating of 0, 1, or 2 for color, heart rate, reflex response, muscle tone,
and respiration with 10 being a perfect score.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/apgar
%20score.
Apocrine gland Correct Answer: Sweat glands located on the areola that secrete a
scent.
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant
Practice (2nd ed.), page 197-198.
Apoptosis Correct Answer: Programmed normal cell death.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Applied research Correct Answer: Research that focuses on solving or finding an
answer to a clinical or practical problem.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Areola Correct Answer: The darker pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple.
Contains sebaceous glands (Montgomery Glands)
% of breastmilk that is carbohydrates Correct Answer: Approximately 7%
Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_milk.
% of breastmilk that is fat Correct Answer: Approximately 4%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 50.
% of breastmilk that is protein Correct Answer: Approximately .8 - 1 %
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant
Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
% of calories in breastmilk from carbohydrates Correct Answer: Approximately
40%
Hale and Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 69.
% of calories in breastmilk from fat Correct Answer: Approximately 50%
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
124.
% of calories in breastmilk from protein Correct Answer: Approximately 10%
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant
Practice (2nd ed.), page 272.
Acinus Correct Answer: Any of the small sacs or alveoli that terminate the ducts
and are lined with secretory cells.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. Available online: http://www.merriam-
webster.com/medical/acinus?show=0&t=1296699192
Acrocyanosis Correct Answer: Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet in the
newborn; peripheral cyanosis. Should not persist beyond 24 hours after birth.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Active immunity Correct Answer: Immunity conferred by the production of
antibodies by one's own immune system.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
868.
,Active transport Correct Answer: Passage of drug into breastmilk assisted by
components in breastmilk.
Hale & Hartman, 2007. Textbook of Human Lactation, page 470.
Acyclovir/Zovirax Correct Answer: Antiviral used to treat herpes infections, L2.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
177.
Aerobic bacteria Correct Answer: Bacteria requiring air for metabolic processes.
The breast is colonized with this type of bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
AGA Correct Answer: Appropriate for Gestational Age. Having a birth weight
between the 10th and 90th percentile on intrauterine growth charts.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
671.
Alcohol and breastfeeding Correct Answer: Alcohol can decrease milk supply.
Breastfeeding must be interrupted for 1 hour per drink, or until mother is sober.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
171 & 188.
Aldomet/Methyldopa Correct Answer: Antihypertensive, L2. Frequently used to
treat hypertension during pregnancy. No concerns reported via breastmilk.
Hale, 2010. Medications and Mother's Milk (14th ed.), page 667.
Allergen Correct Answer: A substance that causes an allergic response, such as
foods, drugs, inhalants. Cow's milk is common source for infants.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Αlphalactalbumin Correct Answer: A major protein found in human milk whey.
Assists in processing lactose.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Alveolar ridge Correct Answer: The ridges on the upper and lower jaw where
infant's teeth will grow.
,Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Alveolus, alveoli Correct Answer: Secrete and store milk for let down.
Surrounded by myoepithelial cells, contractile cells and connective tissue.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
80.
Amenorrhea Correct Answer: A natural phase of infertility that takes place when a
mother is exclusively breastfeeding. Menstruation has not returned.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
707 &865.
Amoxicillin Correct Answer: Antibiotic, L2. Observe for change in intestinal
flora, compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
177.
Ampicillin Correct Answer: Antibiotic, L1. Observe for change in intestinal flora,
compatible.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
177.
Anaphylaxis Correct Answer: Hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs)
resulting from sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary.
www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anaphylaxis.
Anchor scar Correct Answer: Surgical technique for breast reduction, slang.
Ankyglossia Correct Answer: A tongue tie. Characterized by a thick, short, or
tight frenulum under the tongue. Can cause breastfeeding issues, such as a painful
latch or inefficient milk transfer.
Anterior pituitary Correct Answer: This gland releases prolactin into the blood
effecting milk production and ejection. It is susceptible to stress.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
91.
, Anthrax Correct Answer: Infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium
(Bacillus anthrax), characterized by external ulcerating nodules or by lesions in the
lungs.
Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary.
www.merriam-webster.com/medical/anthrax.
Antibody Correct Answer: Immunoglobulin formed in response to an antigen,
including bacteria and viruses. Antibodies attack those bacteria or viruses helping
the body resist infection.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Antigen Correct Answer: Substance that stimulates antibody production. May be
dust, food, or bacteria.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Apgar score Correct Answer: Index to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant
based on a rating of 0, 1, or 2 for color, heart rate, reflex response, muscle tone,
and respiration with 10 being a perfect score.
Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary. www.merriam-webster.com/medical/apgar
%20score.
Apocrine gland Correct Answer: Sweat glands located on the areola that secrete a
scent.
Mannel, Martens & Walker, 2008. Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant
Practice (2nd ed.), page 197-198.
Apoptosis Correct Answer: Programmed normal cell death.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Applied research Correct Answer: Research that focuses on solving or finding an
answer to a clinical or practical problem.
Riordan & Wambach, 2010. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (4th ed.), page
863.
Areola Correct Answer: The darker pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple.
Contains sebaceous glands (Montgomery Glands)
