Oxytocin

Question 1

Pharmacology and presentation of Oxytocin?

Answer 1

10units:1ml

Synthetic oxytocin is a uterine stimulant that causes uterine contractions by changing calcium concentrations within uterine muscle cells. Oxytocin administration during third stage of labour assists with placental separation, raises the tone of the uterine musculature and minimises further uterine blood loss.

Question 2

Indicators of Oxytocin?

Answer 2

• Active management of third stage labour
• Primary/Secondary Post-Partum Haemorrhage

Question 3

Contraindications of Oxytocin?

(UH PPH)

Answer 3

• Hypersensitivity
• Undelivered foetuses
• Severe toxaemia (pre-eclampsia)
• Cord Prolapse
• Hypertonic Uterine Contractions

Question 4

Cautions of Oxytocin?

(MAP)

Answer 4

• May cause hypotension when administered concurrently with analgesia
• Myocardial ischemia
• Previous uterine surgery or > 4 previous births as there is an increased risk of uterine rupture

Question 5

Side Effects of Oxytocin?

(SHENT)

Answer 5

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• ECG changes including QT prolongation
• Severe uterine contraction leading to uterine rupture
• Tachycardia/Bradycardia
• Hypotension

Question 6

Dosing Regimes of Oxytocin?

Answer 6

.

Question 7

Onset and duration of Oxytocin?

Answer 7

• Onset = 2–4 minutes
• Duration = 30–60 minutes