- Body system
- Maternity
- Drug cards
- 1 in this guide
Drugs in this class
Other examples: Methylergonovine, Carboprost, Misoprostol, Dinoprostone, Terbutaline, Nifedipine (tocolysis), Rho(D) immune globulin, Betamethasone.
How obstetric drugs work
Uterotonics stimulate uterine contraction; prostaglandins ripen the cervix; tocolytics relax the uterus; antenatal corticosteroids speed fetal lung maturity.
Uses
- Labor induction and augmentation
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Preterm labor
- Fetal lung maturity
- Rh-negative mothers (Rho(D) immune globulin)
Adverse effects
- Uterine tachysystole and fetal distress (oxytocin, prostaglandins)
- Water intoxication (oxytocin)
- Hypertension (methylergonovine)
- Bronchospasm (carboprost)
- Maternal tachycardia (terbutaline)
Nursing considerations
- Continuous fetal heart rate and contraction monitoring with oxytocin.
- Check blood pressure before methylergonovine: it is contraindicated in hypertension and preeclampsia.
- Carboprost is avoided in asthma.
Patient teaching
- Report severe headache, vision changes or heavy bleeding.
- Rho(D) immune globulin is given within 72 hours after birth when indicated.
Obstetric drugs NCLEX practice questions
Answer each question to see the rationale.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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During an oxytocin infusion, the patient has 6 contractions in 10 minutes. What is the first action?
Show answer
Answer C: Stop or reduce the oxytocin infusion per protocol This is uterine tachysystole. Stop or reduce the infusion, position the patient on her side, give fluids and notify the provider per protocol.
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Which drug for postpartum hemorrhage is contraindicated in a patient with preeclampsia?
Show answer
Answer A: Methylergonovine Methylergonovine causes vasoconstriction and can raise blood pressure dangerously.
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Which drug for postpartum hemorrhage should be avoided in a patient with asthma?
Show answer
Answer D: Carboprost Carboprost, a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog, can cause bronchospasm.
Frequently asked questions
What are obstetric drugs?
Labor and delivery drugs include uterotonics (oxytocin), drugs for postpartum hemorrhage, cervical ripening agents, tocolytics, and magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention. Most are high-alert medications.
How do obstetric drugs work?
Uterotonics stimulate uterine contraction; prostaglandins ripen the cervix; tocolytics relax the uterus; antenatal corticosteroids speed fetal lung maturity.
What are examples of obstetric drugs?
Oxytocin, Methylergonovine, Carboprost, Misoprostol, Dinoprostone, Terbutaline, Nifedipine (tocolysis) and Rho(D) immune globulin.
What are the nursing considerations for obstetric drugs?
Continuous fetal heart rate and contraction monitoring with oxytocin. Check blood pressure before methylergonovine: it is contraindicated in hypertension and preeclampsia.