OB Meds

Question 1

Tocolytics

Answer 1

• Stops contractions in premature labor
• Terbutaline (Brethine)
  
  • S/E
    
    • tachycardia in mother (don’t give w/ cardiac disease)
• Magnesium Sulfate
  
  • S/E
    
    • Hypermagnesemia - bradycardia, htn, slowed reflexes, bradypnea, decreased LOC
      
      • monitor respirations (goal of >12) and reflexes (goal of 2)
    • can give with cardiac disease

Question 2

Oxytocics

Answer 2

• Stimulate and strengthen labor
• Pitocin (oxytocin)
  
  • S/E
    
    • uterine hyperstimulation (contractions longer than 90 seconds or closer than every 2 minutes)
• Methergine
  
  • S/E
    
    • HTN

Question 3

Fetal/Neonatal Lung Meds

Answer 3

• Given to premature babies to help lungs develop
• Betamethasone (steroid)
  
  • give to mother IM
  • given before baby is born
  • Can be repeated
• Survanta
  
  • give after baby is born
  • Given to neonate
  • Given transtracheal