Drugs affecting childbearing women and newborns Flashcards
When does the teratogenic period begin:
two weeks after conception
Substances that causes developmental abnormalities are defined as:
teratogens
How is iron to be used during pregnancy:
- Iron is vital to hemoglobin regeneration. only twice the normal requirement (18-30 mg) between the second and third semester
- The goal is to prevent maternal iron deficiency anemia, not to supply the fetus
- Supplementation w/iron is not necessary until second trimester
- The time of greatest demand is in third trimester of 22.4 mg/day d/t women having a decreased hematocrit
What are the common side/adverse effects of iron:
N/V/D, constipation, black-tarry stools, GI irritation, epigastric pain (mostly GI related)
What are the nursing implications/considerations when giving iron:
- 1: liquid forms can discolor teeth=dilute and give w/a straw
- Iron supplements are best absorbed on an empty stomach or w/water & juice 1 h before meals
- If GI irritation occurs, give with food
- iron should be administered 2 h before or 4 h after antiacids/levodopa/levothyroxine/methyldopa/penicillamine/quinolones/tetracyclines d/t iron inhibiting absorption of medications
- Foods rich in iron: liver, red meat, wheat germ, spinach, prunes
- Do not administer iron w/milk, cereals, tea, coffee, or eggs
How is folic acid used during pregnancy:
- Part of preconception planning to improve outcomes of pregnancy d/t spontaneous abortion/birth defects/neural tube defects (leading to spina bifida/skull/brain malformations)/premature birth/premature separation of placenta
- Three approaches are recommended for child-bearing aged women (supplementation at 400-600 mcg, dietary fortification, food choices) d/t neural tube closure within the first 4 wks of pregnancy
- folate-rich foods are breads/flour/cornmeal/rice/pasta/cereals
What are the side/adverse effects of folic acid:
Not common, but may occur as: allergic bronchospasm/rash/pruritus/erythema/general malaise
How are prenatal vitamins used during pregnancy:
- prenatal vitamins generally provide A/D/C/B complex/B12/iron/Ca
- Role of prenatal vitamins in preventing congenital defects is UKN
- Megadoses of vitamins/minerals during pregnancy will not improve health and may cause harm to the fetus and the mother
- Most common reason for non-compliance is d/t iron causing N/V
- Be culturally aware. Eg: Pts from Mexico believe that taking vitamins is considered a “hot” food that should not be ingested during pregnancy
Severe N/V that may require hospitalization to replace hydration and nutrition is defined as and what is given for Tx:
- hyperemesis gravidarum
- Reglan or Zofran may be given
- If a pt is experiencing 5% in weightloss when they should be ganing weight must be treated at a hospital immediately as it is life-threatening to the fetus (labs may see spilled keytones, low SG from urinalysis)
What are some considerations when choosing a contraceptive method:
- Safety: not safe for everyone
- Protection from STI’s: when using a condom, not pills/injections…
- Effectiveness: if taken as should
- Convenience: depends on pt
- Acceptability: depends on knowledge/choice
- Education Needed
- Side Effects
What are the types of contraceptives:
Hormonal & pharmacological
- OCP
- injections/implants
- IUD: intrauterine Devices
- Cervical rings
- transdermal patch
- Emergency contraception
What effect of the estrogen and the progestrin have to prevent pregnancy when taking a combination OCP:
Estrogen:
- prohibits ovulation by preventing the formation of the dominant follicle
- stabalizes uterine endometrium to stop irregular bleeding
Progestrin
- Suppresses LH surge
- Decreases circulatory S/S
- Changes the landscape of the endometrium to make it less favorable for sperm implantation
- Causes the viscosity of the cervical mucous to be thick and hostile towards sperm
What are the advantages of taking a COC pill:
- Shorter periods
- Decreased bleeding/uterine changes/PID (pelvic inflammatory diseas
- Decreased risks of ovarian/endometrial CA/osteoporosis
- Helps prevent ovarian cysts
- Decrease etopic pregnancy
Why is the COC (Combintion) the most common birth control pill to take:
- High degree of effectiveness
- less side effects d/t the combination of estrogen and progestrin than the progestrin only pill
- Supresses pituitary release of LH and FSH
- Come in varying dosages: monophasic (A fixed ratio of estrogen to progestrin), biphasic (Estrogen is fixed, but progestrin varies), triphasic (both estrogen and progestrin varies)
What does the progestrin “mini-pill” do:
- Interference of the endometrial lining causing implatation to be difficult
- Alters cervical mucosa making it thick nd viscous blocking sperm penetration
- Decreases perstalsis of the fallopian tubes slowing the transport of sperm
- Interferes w/LH surge inhibiting ovulation (only 50% of cycles)
- slightly less effective than the combination pill
- Should be taken 4-6 h before intercourse d/t the time it takes to alter the cervical mucosa to prevent sperm penetration
- If the mini pill is taken more than 3 h late, than a backup method should be used for 48 h
Why is better to take a monophasic pill rather than a bi/triphasic pill:
- Monophasic pills provide a fixed amount of estrogen throughout the menstral cycle which increases the effectiveness in preventing pregnancies.
- The bi/triphasic pills provide varying doses of either estrogen or progestrin which cause less side effects, but won’t be as efective in preventing pregnancies d/t the varying amount of estrogen
What are some drug interactions when taking OCPs:
The interaction of the following drugs decreases the effectiveness of the OCP. Have pts use a backup method for the duration of Tx and 7 days after
- anticonvulsants
- AntiTB meds: rifampin
- ABX
- barbiturates
- Hypnotics/sedatives
Drugs that may increase CHC activity:
- acetaminophen
- ascorbic acid
- fluconazole
Other Drug Interactions (use alternate means of contraception):
- anticoagulants: CHC increase clotting and decreases effectiveness of anticoagulants
- Anticonvulsants: CHC may increase SZ risks
What are the contraindications to OCP (the absolute and the caution when using)
**Absolute Contrandications: **
Hx of
- BA/estrogen-dependent CA
- Thromboembolitic disorders/vascular disease
- Cerebrovascular/CVD
- Liver tumors
Other Absolute Contradications
- Pregnancy (known or suspected)
- Diabetic complications or diabetes >20 y
- UNK vaginal bleeding
- HTN 160/100 and above
- Heavy smoker or >35 ys
- Use of drugs that affect liver enzymes (anticoagulants, rifampin)
Caution
- >35 y &
- >40 yo
- Non-insulin dependent DM
- Controlled or mild HTN
What are the side effects when taking OCP:
Excess estrogen effects:
- PMS like-S/S (N/V, edema, fluid retention, bloating, breast enlargement/tenderness), chloasma (hyper-pigmentation=brn spots near the eyes)
- Not so common ones: leg cramps, vascular HA, Visual changes, HTN
Excess Progestrin Effects:
- Increased appetite/weight gain, oily skin/scalp/acne, depression, vaginitis d/t yeast, hirsutism, decreased breast size, amenorrhea (absence of period)/spotting
What can pts take when they are contraindicated for combination birth control:
These pts can take a progestrin mini pill, no estrogen pill
What are the advantages in taking an alternative method to OCP:
- avoid GI absorption and therefore bypassing the “first-pass effect” of the liver
- Avoid OCP S/S like: N/V, blood clots, non-compliance
What are the types of contraceptive hormonal injections and what are the frequencies, route, and side effects:
Depo-Provera (medroxy_progesterone (only_):
- A progestrin injection given once every 3 mo IM into either the deltoid or the ventrogluteal muscle, or subcut (anterior thigh or abd, should NOT be massaged after injection as it can decrease effectiveness); sideeffects include weight gain, spotting/irregular bleeding, depression (period may cease 1 y after), bone density loss (have pt take V-D and Ca and do weight bearing exercises)
Lunelle (combination)
- No info in books, monthly IM, assume combination side effects
What implant contraceptive is given and what is its frequency, route, and side effects:
Implanon
- Single rod low-dose progesterin implant inserted in the subdermis of the upper inner arm which stays in place for 3 yrs
- side effect: 20% of women may have amenorrhea for the duration of the implant
What is the frequency, route, and side effects of NuvaRing:
NuvaRing
- A soft, plastic ring inserted into the vagina for 3 wks and take out on the 4th week; administers both estrogen and progestin
- Side effects include expulsion, vaginal discharge, discomfor, can’t be worn by pts over 198 lbs, must be re-fitted if weight fluctuatest; if taken out for more than 3 hrs, backup is required until 7 days after new insertion of ring
What is the frequency, route, and side effects of IUD:
Intrauterine Devices
Paraguard (copper)
- Non-hormonal, sterile copper contraceptive inserted into the uterus and interferes with uterine contractions to prevent spermigration, causes inflammation of the endometrium, can be used as an emergency contraceptive; can stay for 10-12 years; ideal for cardio pts
- Side effects: increase blood loss/uterine cramping/flow by 35%, pelvic inflammatory disease may result within 20 days of insertion if sterile technique wasn’t utilized, expulsion
Hormonal Intrauterine Device (Mirena)
- A progesterine IUD inserted into the uterus and stays in place for 5 years, typically given before closing up C-section; no severe side effects like the copper IU; perforation of the uterine wall; expulsion
What is the frequency, route, and side effects of the transdermal patch contraceptive:
Transdermal Patch (Ortho-Evra)
- A combined hormonal patch that is placed on dry, clean skin (not on the breasts/nor placed on creases) once for three weeks and taken off the fourth week for withdrawal bleeding;
- Side effects include: risk of VTE is greater d/t the higher absorption of estrogen from the patch then when compared to the OCPs, change in vision, skin irritation, menstral cramps, can’t be worn if 198lbs or more
What are the types of emergency contraceptives and what are the frequencies, routes, and side effects:
Levonorgestrel Plan-B
- over the counter PO med (1 or 2 tabs), gives high levels of progestrin and can be taken 3 days after unprotected sex
**Ella **
- A Rx progesterone agonist/antagonist PO med (1 or 2 pills) that releases prostaglandins which promote contractions/shredding (exclude pregnancy before it’s Rx), can be used within 5 days after unprotected sex
Copper ( Paraguard) IUD
- A copper IUD that can be inserted into the uterus within five days of unprotected sex
What are the types of barrier methods that can be used in place of hormonal or non-hormonal contraceptives:
Spermicides (Today Sponge is inserted and placed snugly against the cervix 24 h before sex and 6 hs after sex), diaphragm/cervical (requires medical insertion), male/female condom (protects against STIs & HIV)
What are the hormonal methods for combined estrogen and progestrin contraception:
- The pill
- Nuva Ring
- The patch (Ortho Evra)
- Lunelle (IM)
What are the hormonal methods that are progestrin only contraceptives:
- Mini-Pill
- IUD (Mirena)
- Depo-Provera
- Implanon
- EC: Plan-B and Ella
Sharon White, 19 yo, has just started taking birth control pills. She calls the nsg to say that her breasts are tender and she’s nauseous. The nsg’s response is based on knowledge that:
- These are serious side effects
- These effects usually decrease after 3-6 cycles
- Taking the pill in the morning reduces side effects
- Taking the pills every other day reduces side effects
2: These effects usually decrease after 3-6 cycles
What is the definition of class A drugs:
Studies in pregnant women show no risk
What is the definition of Class B drugs:
Studies in pregnant animals show no risk
What is the definition of Class C drugs:
Safety not determined in human pregnancy; animal studies show some risk or not done
What is the definition of Class D drugs:
Some evidence of risk in human pregnancy
What is the definition of Class X drugs:
Reports in humans and various studies in animal show risks
What three layers make up the uterine wall:
- Perimetrium: outer
- Myometrium: middle
- Endometrium: inner
What triggers production of progestrin and estrogen:
Hypothalamus secretes Gn-RH which stimulates anterior pituitary gland to secrete FSH/LH which in turn stimulates ovary production of estrogen and progstrin
What does ACHES stand for that women on hormonal contraceptives should be aware of:
- A-bd pain (d/t liver/ovarian tumors)
- C-hest pain
- H-A (d/t poor perfusion, ICP)
- E-ye strain (blurred vision, can be S/S of pre-eclampsi)
- S-welling of legs (may mean inadequate kidney function r/t low albumin)
How does N/V affect pregnant mothers:
- Commonly experienced 88% during 1st semester
- Non pharmacologic methods include: crackers, any bland foods, flat sodas, taking vitamins/iron with food or before bedtime, ginger, eating small freqent meals and rising slowly, peppermint
- Drugs given for N/V is ondansetron (zofran), Reglan, or promethazine (Phenergan)
- If methods of N/V are not relieved, IV fluids or TPN (total parenteral nutrition) are necessary to prevent weight loss that may be life threatening to fetus
What is the medical term for heartburn and how is it treated during pregnancy:
- Pyrosis is a burning sensation in the epigastric and sternal regions that occurs with reflux of acidic stomach contents occurs up to 80%
- The increase of progesterone during pregnancy causes decreased motility of the GI and relaxes the cardiac sphincter (between esophagus and stomach) making reverse perstalsis more likely and is aggravated when a pt lies or sits down right after eating
- Non-pharmacologic Tx: sm meals, eating slowly, avoid salty/greasy/citrus foods/gas-causing foods (onions, cabbage, beans)/avoid reclining imediately/drinking fluids after eating meals (not during)
- Pharmacological Tx: antiacids that are Na free (diabetic antiacids, tums, won’t interfere w/electrolytes; no alkaseltzer/maylox) or ones that contain aluminum/Magnesium (Amphojel/Mylanta)
What type of pain may pregnant mothers experiene and how is pain tx:
- Upto 26 wks in of pregnancy, mothers will commonly experience HA (d/t hormonal changes), sinus congestion, eye strain, back pain, joint pain, and ligament pain
- Non-pharmacological methods are preferred: rest, relaxation exercises, mental imagery, ice packs/warm heat, correct body mechanics, style of footwear
- Pharmacologic Tx: only Acetaminophen (NO ASA-platelets are unable to form clots/inhibit or prolong labor, Ibuprofen-may cause premature closure of ductus arteriosus)
What is the goal in giving RhoGam to a what Rh type of mother who has a what Rh type fetus:
- We give RhoGam to Rh- mothers if they have a Rh+ fetus to prevent formations of antibiodies and to prevent erthroblastosis of Rh+ fetus.
How is RhoGam (rho D Immune Globulin) administerd, action, Route, Dose.
- RhoGam is administered to non-sensitized at 28 wks of gestational age and w/in 72 hrs after delivery/ectopic pregnancy/truama
- Administered IM (deltoid) at 300 mcg to promote destruction of Rh-positive fetal cells
- Considered to be a blood product from certain religious groups
Labor that occurs between 20-37 wks of pregnancy, involving a fetus with a weight of 500-2499 g is defined as:
Preterm Labor (PTL)
What are the contributing factors of PTL:
- Age of mom: <18 or >40
- intrauterine infections/UTI
- incompetent cervix
- hx of PTL >risk
What are the initial measures in tx of PTL:
Non-pharmacological PTL measures:
- Hydration: >8 glasses of fluids
- Rest: Pelvic rest (sex/douching) feet up,
- Decrease activity
- R/O uterine infection
Drug TX to decrease uterine muscle contraction is defined as:
Tocolytics
What makes a mother a candidate for tocolytics:
True preterm labor (PTL) will show change in cervix and show no S/S of contraindications are considered candidates of tocolytics
What are the tocolytic contrandications :
- <20 wks of gestation via UZ
- Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) or bulging bag of water
- Fetal demise/severe compromise via UZ
- Maternal hemorrhage (d/t placental eruption)
What is the goal of tocolytics:
- Interrupt or inhibit uterine contractions to create additional time for fetal maturation
- delay delivery so antenatal corticosteroids can be delivered to facilitate fetal lung maturation
- allow safe transportation of the mother to be in an appropriate facility if required.
What are the type of tocolytics given for preterm labor (PTL)?
- 2 Beta adrenergic agent
- 2 Calcium tocolytics (antagonist and blocker)
- Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor
What are the two types of beta-adrenergic agents used for PTL (preterm labor) and what are the routes/action/side effects:
- ritodrine (Yutopar)
The only FDA approved beta-adrenergic drug for PTL to relax sm muscle of the uterine walls, but has significant consequences of cardiorespiratory system
- Terbutaline (Brethine)
Non-FDA approved beta-adrenergic drug that’s suppose to be used for bronchospasms, but it’s unlabled use is for PTL; typically given via subQ to relax the uterine muscle wall
- Contraindicated in pts w/DM or cardiovascular disease
- Cardiovascular s/s: maternal/fetal tachycardia, palpations, dysrhythmias, chest pain, wide pulse pressure
- RR S/S: dyspnea, chest discomfort
- CNS: tremors, restlessness, weakness, dizziness, HA
- Metabolic S/S: hypokalemia, hyperglycemia
- GI S/S: N/V/reduced motility
What drug is giving for reversing the tachycardiac S/S of beta-adrenergics:
Propanol