Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the primary uses of oxytocin after the delivery of the placenta?
What is one of the primary uses of oxytocin after the delivery of the placenta?
- To manage preeclampsia
- To increase fetal heart rate
- To produce a firm contraction of the uterus (correct)
- To induce labor
Which of the following indicates a reason to stop oxytocin infusion?
Which of the following indicates a reason to stop oxytocin infusion?
- Stable mother's vitals
- Severe nausea in the patient
- Abnormal uterine contractions (correct)
- Persistent dizziness
How is oxytocin administered for cases of breast engorgement?
How is oxytocin administered for cases of breast engorgement?
- Intranasally (correct)
- Intravenously
- Intramuscularly
- Orally
What is the primary action of oxytocin in the uterus?
What is the primary action of oxytocin in the uterus?
What dosage of oxytocin is typically given intranasally to promote milk ejection?
What dosage of oxytocin is typically given intranasally to promote milk ejection?
Why is the immature uterus resistant to oxytocin?
Why is the immature uterus resistant to oxytocin?
How does oxytocin affect renal function?
How does oxytocin affect renal function?
Which of the following is NOT associated with maternal dangers when using oxytocin?
Which of the following is NOT associated with maternal dangers when using oxytocin?
What occurs to the sensitivity of the uterus to oxytocin as pregnancy progresses?
What occurs to the sensitivity of the uterus to oxytocin as pregnancy progresses?
What ion influx is primarily stimulated by oxytocin in myometrial cells?
What ion influx is primarily stimulated by oxytocin in myometrial cells?
What effect does endogenous PGE2 have on the cervix during the birthing process?
What effect does endogenous PGE2 have on the cervix during the birthing process?
Which of the following is NOT a pharmacological effect of prostaglandins?
Which of the following is NOT a pharmacological effect of prostaglandins?
When is the response of the uterus to prostaglandins typically at its maximum?
When is the response of the uterus to prostaglandins typically at its maximum?
What is the primary mechanism through which cervical ripening occurs?
What is the primary mechanism through which cervical ripening occurs?
Which medication is known to sensitize the uterus to the action of prostaglandins?
Which medication is known to sensitize the uterus to the action of prostaglandins?
What is one of the primary uses of oxytocin during labor induction?
What is one of the primary uses of oxytocin during labor induction?
Which of the following is NOT an indication for using oxytocin?
Which of the following is NOT an indication for using oxytocin?
What dosage is typically given of oxytocin to manage third-stage labor?
What dosage is typically given of oxytocin to manage third-stage labor?
At what rate should oxytocin infusion for labor induction begin?
At what rate should oxytocin infusion for labor induction begin?
Which is a therapeutic use of oxytocin in late pregnancy?
Which is a therapeutic use of oxytocin in late pregnancy?
What serious maternal condition can occur due to oxytocin administration in high doses?
What serious maternal condition can occur due to oxytocin administration in high doses?
Which of the following risks is associated with uterine rupture due to oxytocin?
Which of the following risks is associated with uterine rupture due to oxytocin?
What is a potential fetal complication from uterine hyperstimulation induced by oxytocin?
What is a potential fetal complication from uterine hyperstimulation induced by oxytocin?
Which sign indicates water intoxication due to excessive oxytocin use?
Which sign indicates water intoxication due to excessive oxytocin use?
How can the risk of water intoxication from oxytocin be minimized?
How can the risk of water intoxication from oxytocin be minimized?
What is the primary therapeutic use of oxytocin?
What is the primary therapeutic use of oxytocin?
Where is oxytocin synthesized in the body?
Where is oxytocin synthesized in the body?
Which physiological function does oxytocin NOT promote?
Which physiological function does oxytocin NOT promote?
How is oxytocin transported from the synthesis site to its release location?
How is oxytocin transported from the synthesis site to its release location?
Which of the following triggers the secretion of oxytocin?
Which of the following triggers the secretion of oxytocin?
What change occurs in uterine sensitivity to oxytocin as pregnancy progresses?
What change occurs in uterine sensitivity to oxytocin as pregnancy progresses?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection during breastfeeding?
Which hormone is primarily responsible for milk ejection during breastfeeding?
How does oxytocin affect water retention in the body?
How does oxytocin affect water retention in the body?
What role does the milk-ejection reflex play in breastfeeding?
What role does the milk-ejection reflex play in breastfeeding?
During which stage of pregnancy is uterine responsiveness to oxytocin the lowest?
During which stage of pregnancy is uterine responsiveness to oxytocin the lowest?
What is the primary goal of labor induction?
What is the primary goal of labor induction?
When should labor induction generally be considered?
When should labor induction generally be considered?
What circumstance is primarily recommended for labor induction?
What circumstance is primarily recommended for labor induction?
Which of the following is commonly used to achieve uterine contractions during labor induction?
Which of the following is commonly used to achieve uterine contractions during labor induction?
What is a significant risk factor for considering labor induction?
What is a significant risk factor for considering labor induction?
What is the primary site of synthesis for oxytocin?
What is the primary site of synthesis for oxytocin?
How is oxytocin primarily administered to achieve effective results?
How is oxytocin primarily administered to achieve effective results?
What is the typical half-life of oxytocin in non-pregnant women?
What is the typical half-life of oxytocin in non-pregnant women?
Which cell type is primarily responsible for the release of oxytocin?
Which cell type is primarily responsible for the release of oxytocin?
What significant effect does oxytocin have on uterine contractions?
What significant effect does oxytocin have on uterine contractions?
Which drugs are classified as oxytocics used to stimulate uterine contractions?
Which drugs are classified as oxytocics used to stimulate uterine contractions?
What is the primary purpose of tocolytic drugs?
What is the primary purpose of tocolytic drugs?
Which of the following is NOT an oxytocic drug?
Which of the following is NOT an oxytocic drug?
Which of the following statements about oxytocics is correct?
Which of the following statements about oxytocics is correct?
What is the role of Prostaglandins in the context of uterine function?
What is the role of Prostaglandins in the context of uterine function?
Study Notes
Oxytocin Overview
- Oxytocin, a peptide hormone from the posterior pituitary, promotes uterine contractions and milk ejection.
- Structurally similar to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), it can retain water, albeit to a lesser extent than ADH.
Role of Oxytocin in Uterus
- Stimulates force and frequency of uterine contractions, resembling physiological labor contractions.
- The immature uterus is less responsive, with sensitivity increasing significantly in the last weeks of pregnancy.
- Administration typically occurs only when the cervix is soft and dilated for effectiveness.
Mechanism of Action
- Binds to myometrial cell receptors, facilitating calcium influx, which stimulates uterine contractions.
Indications for Oxytocin Use
- Control of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): administered IM or IV after placenta delivery for effective uterine contraction.
- Acceleration of abortion, especially combined with prostaglandins.
- Treatment of bleeding post-evacuation of the uterus.
- Promotion of milk ejection via intranasal administration before breastfeeding.
Contraindications for Oxytocin Infusion
- Abnormal uterine contractions (frequency less than every 2 mins, duration over 60 secs).
- Evidence of fetal distress.
- Maternal signs indicating a need to halt infusion.
Dangers of Oxytocin
-
Maternal Risks:
- Uterine hyperstimulation can lead to abnormal fetal heart rates.
- Uterine rupture risk particularly high in grand multipara, malpresentation, and excessive dosages.
- Water intoxication due to antidiuretic effects manifests as hyponatremia, leading to potentially severe complications.
-
Fetal Risks:
- Fetal distress or death may result from reduced placental blood flow due to hyperstimulation.
Therapeutic Applications of Oxytocin
- Early Pregnancy: abortion acceleration and bleeding control after evacuation.
- Late Pregnancy: labor induction, cervical ripening, labor augmentation, and management of third-stage labor to reduce blood loss.
Administration Details
- Induction of labor involves slow IV infusion to produce and maintain uterine contractions, ideally continuing 30-60 minutes postpartum.
Prostaglandins (PGs) Overview
- Local hormones, originally isolated from seminal fluid, particularly PGE2, PGF2a, and PGE1, are utilized in obstetrics for labor induction and control of PPH.
- Stimulates cervical ripening and myometrial contractions.
Physiologic and Pharmacologic Effects of Oxytocin
- Uterine stimulation ability increases as gestation progresses due to raising oxytocin receptor numbers.
- Milk ejection occurs via the myoepithelial cells surrounding milk channels upon infant suckling.
Pharmacokinetics of Oxytocin
- Not effective orally; administered IV or as a nasal spray.
- Rapidly metabolized by the liver and kidneys, exhibiting a brief duration of action (approx. 20 minutes in general, shorter in pregnancy).
Drug Classification Related to Labor and Delivery
- Oxytocics: stimulate uterine contractions (e.g., Oxytocin, Ergot Alkaloids, Prostaglandins).
- Tocolytics: cause uterine relaxation, preventing preterm labor.
Summary of Oxytocics
- Oxytocin (Syntocinon): Primary agent for inducing labor and managing postpartum hemorrhage.
- Ergot Alkaloids: Used similarly in uterine contraction stimulation.
- Prostaglandins: Viable for cervical ripening and labor induction, especially in conjunction with other agents.
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Description
This quiz covers the role of oxytocin in water retention and its effects on the uterus. It highlights the similarities between oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone, focusing on their impact on kidney function and uterine contractions. Test your knowledge on these critical hormonal interactions in the body!
