OB-GYN Medications Exam Questions
& Answers (Grade A+)
Prenatal Vitamin (PNV) -
correct answer ✅Has increased levels of folic acid as required to
decrease the incidence of neural tube defects (occurs most
frequently amongst Irish, Scottish, and Welsh decedents)
400mcg folic acid daily for 3 months prior to conception to reduce
NTD occurrences
600mcg while pregnant, then 500mcg while breastfeeding
Due to calcium content, use caution with kidney stones.
Side effects: abd pain, constipation, dark stools, diarrhea, n/v
Signs of megadoses of vitamins = nausea, loss of hair
Do not take with eggs or milk (reduces iron absorption)
Ferrous Sulfate (Iron supplement) -
correct answer ✅To prevent/correct physiological anemia s/t
hemodilution
,OB-GYN Medications Exam Questions
& Answers (Grade A+)
(iron deficiency increases the risk of preterm birth)
Side effects: nausea, constipation*, dark green/black stools,
heartburn, yellow-brown discoloration of eyes
** overdosage can cause shock, CV collapse, liver necrosis, and
death!!
Caution use in pregnancy and lactation (crosses placenta and enters
breast milk). DO NOT BREASTFEED WHILE TAKING THIS DRUG.
Monitor Hgb, Hct, and reticulocyte values prior to and every 3 wk
during the first 2 mo of therapy and periodically thereafter.
Continue therapy for 2-3 mo after the Hgb level has returned to
normal.
Prophylaxis while pregnant = 30mg/day
Correction while pregnant = 60-120mg/day
** according to clinical handout = should be 300-600mg/day in
divided doses
,OB-GYN Medications Exam Questions
& Answers (Grade A+)
** according to drug book = 195-325mg/day
(confirm values with Dr. Mitchell)
Citrus fruit & tomato juice may increase absorption.
Milk, calcium (avoid antacids within 1h of taking iron), eggs, or
caffeine may inhibit absorption.
Take on an empty stomach (1h before or 2h after meals).
Docusate Sodium (Colace) -
correct answer ✅Stool softener (moistens stool by promoting the
incorporation of water into stools).
** does NOT stimulate intestinal peristalsis, so may need a
stimulant laxative, such as Senna, in addition to Colace.
Taken during pregnancy due to common occurrence of
constipation.
Taken post-delivery to minimize painful defecation.
PO: 50-400mg in 1-4 divided doses
, OB-GYN Medications Exam Questions
& Answers (Grade A+)
Rectally: 50-100mg or 1 unit containing 283mg/5mL
Administer with a full glass of water or juice. May give on empty
stomach for faster results.
Withhold if abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever are present.
Nursing: assess abdominal sounds before and after administration,
assess for abdominal distention, monitor output.
Side effects: throat irritation, mild abd cramps
Do not take with mineral oil (increased toxicity).
Reduces effects of Coumadin.
Pregnancy Risk Category C
Lactation Risk Category L2
** Monitor for loose stools in infant
& Answers (Grade A+)
Prenatal Vitamin (PNV) -
correct answer ✅Has increased levels of folic acid as required to
decrease the incidence of neural tube defects (occurs most
frequently amongst Irish, Scottish, and Welsh decedents)
400mcg folic acid daily for 3 months prior to conception to reduce
NTD occurrences
600mcg while pregnant, then 500mcg while breastfeeding
Due to calcium content, use caution with kidney stones.
Side effects: abd pain, constipation, dark stools, diarrhea, n/v
Signs of megadoses of vitamins = nausea, loss of hair
Do not take with eggs or milk (reduces iron absorption)
Ferrous Sulfate (Iron supplement) -
correct answer ✅To prevent/correct physiological anemia s/t
hemodilution
,OB-GYN Medications Exam Questions
& Answers (Grade A+)
(iron deficiency increases the risk of preterm birth)
Side effects: nausea, constipation*, dark green/black stools,
heartburn, yellow-brown discoloration of eyes
** overdosage can cause shock, CV collapse, liver necrosis, and
death!!
Caution use in pregnancy and lactation (crosses placenta and enters
breast milk). DO NOT BREASTFEED WHILE TAKING THIS DRUG.
Monitor Hgb, Hct, and reticulocyte values prior to and every 3 wk
during the first 2 mo of therapy and periodically thereafter.
Continue therapy for 2-3 mo after the Hgb level has returned to
normal.
Prophylaxis while pregnant = 30mg/day
Correction while pregnant = 60-120mg/day
** according to clinical handout = should be 300-600mg/day in
divided doses
,OB-GYN Medications Exam Questions
& Answers (Grade A+)
** according to drug book = 195-325mg/day
(confirm values with Dr. Mitchell)
Citrus fruit & tomato juice may increase absorption.
Milk, calcium (avoid antacids within 1h of taking iron), eggs, or
caffeine may inhibit absorption.
Take on an empty stomach (1h before or 2h after meals).
Docusate Sodium (Colace) -
correct answer ✅Stool softener (moistens stool by promoting the
incorporation of water into stools).
** does NOT stimulate intestinal peristalsis, so may need a
stimulant laxative, such as Senna, in addition to Colace.
Taken during pregnancy due to common occurrence of
constipation.
Taken post-delivery to minimize painful defecation.
PO: 50-400mg in 1-4 divided doses
, OB-GYN Medications Exam Questions
& Answers (Grade A+)
Rectally: 50-100mg or 1 unit containing 283mg/5mL
Administer with a full glass of water or juice. May give on empty
stomach for faster results.
Withhold if abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever are present.
Nursing: assess abdominal sounds before and after administration,
assess for abdominal distention, monitor output.
Side effects: throat irritation, mild abd cramps
Do not take with mineral oil (increased toxicity).
Reduces effects of Coumadin.
Pregnancy Risk Category C
Lactation Risk Category L2
** Monitor for loose stools in infant
