Chapter 44, Uterine Drugs TEST BANK INTRODUCTORY CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12TH EDITION By Susan M Ford

1. A client is prescribed oxytocin for intranasal use. The nurse will explain to the client this will achieve which result? A) Antistimulating properties on the uterus B) Diuretic effect C) Stimulation of the milk ejection reflex D) Control of antepartum bleeding Answer: C Rationale: Oxytocin, when administered intranasally, stimulates the milk ejection (milk letdown) reflex. Oxytocin has uterine-stimulating properties, not antistimulating properties, on the uterus. Tocolytics have an antistimulating effect on the uterus. Oxytocin has an antidiuretic effect, which might lead to a danger of excessive fluid volume (water intoxication), and not a diuretic effect. Oxytocin is given IM during the third stage of labor to produce uterine contractions and control postpartum, and not antepartum, bleeding and hemorrhage. Question Format: Multiple Choice Chapter: 44 Learning Objective: 1 Cognitive Level: Apply Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process) Reference: p. 593, Other Uterine Stimulants 2. A pregnant woman at 40 weeks gestation has been prescribed oxytocin IV. Which interventions would the nurse prioritize before administering the oxytocin? A) Ask the client to drink plenty of water. B) Obtain an obstetric and general health history. C) Examine for signs of water intoxication. D) Place the client in an upright position. Answer: B Rationale: Before starting an IV infusion of oxytocin to induce labor, the nurse should obtain a complete obstetric history (e.g., parity, gravidity, previous obstetric problems, type of labor, stillbirths, abortions, live-birth infant abnormalities) and a general health history. Clients should not have water before labor, as the oxytocin may lead to water intoxication. The nurse should examine for any signs of water intoxication or fluid overload as a sign of an adverse reaction to the drug and need not assess this before administration of the medication. Placing the client in an upright position is advised when oxytocin is administered intranasally to facilitate the letdown of milk for breastfeeding. Question Format: Multiple Choice