NUR 125 Maternity and Newborn Medications Test Questions and Correct Answers

Tocolytics A class of medications that promote uterine relaxation (prevention of preterm birth) You should not give tocolytic medications after how many weeks of pregnancy? 37 weeks Maternal contraindications of tocolytics severe preeclampsia and eclampsia, active vaginal bleeding, intrauterine infection, cardiac disease and any other condition that contraindicates the continuation of the pregnancy Fetal contraindications of tocolytics est. gestational age 37 weeks, dilation 4 cm, fetal demise or lethal anomaly, chorioamnionitis, acute fetal distress, chronic IUGR What intervention would you use if there was a complication with a tocolytic medication? Place the mother in a side-lying position to increase placental perfusion and reduce cervical pressure What are 4 tocolytic medications commonly used? Terbutaline, Nifedipine, Magnesium Sulfate and Indomethacin What is an important intervention when there are s/s of magnesium sulfate reactions? Comfort measures This tocolytic is a B-adrenergic agonist and is given subcut to stop uterine contractions Terbutaline What are some side effects of Terbutaline? tachycardia, palpitations, pulmonary edema, chest pain, hyperglycemia This tocolytic is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes smooth muscle in the heart and uterus by blocking calcium entry Nifedipine What are some side effects of Nifedipine? tachycardia, hypotension, dizziness, HA, facial flushing, fatigue, nausea You should avoid or use this tocolytic cautiously with magnesium sulfate due to potential for severe hypotension. Nifedipine