Pharmacology Chapter 6 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of oxytocics during labor?

Increase uterine blood flow

Induce uterine contractions (correct)

Promote fetal growth

Relieve maternal pain

Which of the following is true about tocolytics?

They are used to promote preterm labor

They stop preterm labor (correct)

They induce labor when it is not progressing

They support the development of fetal organs

What condition is characterized by grand mal seizures during pregnancy?

Hyperemesis gravidarum

Gestational diabetes

Preeclampsia

Eclampsia (correct)

What is a safe herb category to stimulate lactation?

Galactagogues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy is correct?

Increase of iron consumption should be around 30mg per day for most. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of constipation during pregnancy?

Smooth muscle relaxation and decreased peristalsis Signup and view all the answers

Which substance should be avoided as a laxative during pregnancy?

Oil-based laxatives Signup and view all the answers

Which maternal condition involves hypertension and proteinuria?

Preeclampsia Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is crucial to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy?

Folic acid Signup and view all the answers

Which drug category is used to manage postpartum hemorrhage?

Oxytocics Signup and view all the answers

What effect does progesterone have on cholesterol levels?

Decreases HDL cholesterol and increases LDL cholesterol Signup and view all the answers

When should Indomethacin not be recommended during pregnancy?

After 32 weeks of gestation or longer than 48 hours Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the progression of preeclampsia leading to seizures?

Eclampsia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common initial medicinal approach to address nausea in pregnant women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum?

Antihistamines and dopamine antagonists Signup and view all the answers

What condition signifies glucose intolerance that occurs specifically during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is contraindicated for patients with myasthenia gravis?

Magnesium sulfate Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is primarily responsible for promoting tissue growth in women?

Estrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy?

Congenital deformities in the fetus Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential adverse effect of Nifedipine during pregnancy?

Hypotension reducing blood flow to the fetus Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect can occur with prolonged administration of Terbutaline Sulfate?

Tachycardia and palpitations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of estrogens in hormonal contraceptives?

Inhibit hypothalamic secretions of GnRH Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is a contraindication for estrogen therapy?

History of thromboembolic disorders Signup and view all the answers

How does transdermal estrogen administration differ from oral administration?

Transdermal avoids first-pass metabolism and results in lower estrogen levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of progestin in hormonal therapy?

Inhibit ovarian function Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is prescribed?

To treat symptoms of estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women Signup and view all the answers

What effect does combined estrogen-progestin therapy have on ovulation?

Prevents ovulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of estrogen therapy?

Nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate timing for taking emergency contraception using birth control pills?

First dose within 120 hours, second dose 12 hours later Signup and view all the answers

Which effect is NOT associated with the use of estrogens?

Induction of uterine contractions Signup and view all the answers

What must be monitored while a patient is on progestin therapy?

Glucose levels and weight gain Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dietary practice for pregnant women to help mitigate nausea?

Consume small meals frequently. Signup and view all the answers

What are common side effects of magnesium sulfate administration in pregnant women?

Respiratory depression and hypotension. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes?

Previous history of diabetes. Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is contraindicated for women with a history of myasthenia gravis?

Magnesium sulfate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern associated with the use of tocolytics like Indomethacin?

Risk of oligohydramnios. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is predominantly responsible for changes in the endometrial lining after ovulation?

Progesterone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with fetal exposure to Terbutaline sulfate?

Hypoglycemia. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key contraindication for the use of oxytocin during labor?

Fetal distress. Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored when administering nifedipine to a pregnant patient?

Maternal blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate medicational approach if antihistamines are ineffective for nausea in pregnancy?

Total parenteral nutrition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment approach for managing iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy?

Increase of iron consumption to 30 mg per day Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the action of oxytocics?

Oxytocics stimulate uterine contractions during labor Signup and view all the answers

Which drug class is NOT effective in stopping preterm labor?

Oxytocics Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key characteristics of eclampsia during pregnancy?

Presence of grand mal seizures Signup and view all the answers

What dietary component is recommended for preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy?

Folic acid of 400-600 mcg Signup and view all the answers

What type of laxative is considered safest for pregnant women?

Stool softeners like docusate Signup and view all the answers

Which herb is deemed safe for use during pregnancy?

Red raspberry leaf Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria during pregnancy?

Preeclampsia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of drug can contribute to abnormal fetal development?

Teratogenic drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tocolytics in pregnancy management?

Stop preterm labor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of estrogens in the body?

To stimulate cell reproduction and interact with DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is prescribed?

To relieve symptoms of estrogen deficiency and prevent osteoporosis Signup and view all the answers

What major adverse effect is associated with long-term use of estrogen therapy?

Increased risk of endometrial cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is a contraindication for the use of progestin therapy?

Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptives is true?

Intramuscular progestin has a half-life of minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is an action of progestins in hormonal therapy?

They inhibit spontaneous uterine contractions Signup and view all the answers

What can the combination of estrogen and progestin in birth control pills specifically prevent?

Pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation Signup and view all the answers

Which population should be particularly cautious about taking estrogen therapy?

Women who smoke and are over 35 years old Signup and view all the answers

For which reason might progestin be used as an emergency contraceptive?

To suppress ovarian function after unprotected intercourse Signup and view all the answers

What should patients taking hormonal contraceptives monitor regularly?

Weight and report any significant changes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms

Abortifacients: Drugs used for terminating pregnancy.
Eclampsia: Characterized by the onset of grand mal seizures during pregnancy.
Galactagogues: Herbs used to stimulate lactation or increase milk production.
Organogenesis: The process of organ formation during pregnancy.
Oxytocics: Agents that induce uterine contractions and childbirth.
Preeclampsia: Pregnancy-associated hypertension with proteinuria and end-organ failure.
Preterm Labor: Labor occurring before 37 weeks of gestation.
Prostaglandins: Compounds that facilitate uterine contractions.
Teratogenic: Substances that can cause abnormal fetal development.
Tocolytics: Medications used to stop preterm labor.
Uterotonics: Agents that help stop postpartum bleeding.

Drug Effects on Fetus

Certain herbal remedies (red raspberry leaf, peppermint, ginger, slippery elm bark, oats, and oat straw) are considered safe during pregnancy.
Folic acid intake of 400-600 mcg is essential for fetal development.

Management of Pregnancy Symptoms

Anemia: Physiologic anemia presents with hemoglobin < 11 g/dL; iron deficiency requires daily intake of 30 mg + 60-200 mg additional until corrected.
Constipation: Caused by smooth muscle relaxation; increase fiber and fluids. Safe laxatives include psyllium and docusate, while oil-based laxatives should be avoided.
GERD: Heartburn results from hormonal changes; recommend small meals, avoid certain foods, and consider safe antacids.
Gestational Diabetes: Diagnosed with elevated glucose levels; can lead to complications such as fetal hyperinsulinemia. Insulin is safe while metformin or glyburide can be alternatives.
Nausea and Vomiting: Often due to hormone levels; initial treatment includes antihistamines, with total parenteral nutrition for severe cases.
Hypertensive Disorders: Include preeclampsia and eclampsia; magnesium sulfate is used for management, with calcium gluconate as an antidote for magnesium overdose.

Tocolytics

Indomethacin: Inhibits prostaglandins; not recommended after 32 weeks. Possible adverse effects include nausea and reduced amniotic fluid.
Nifedipine: A calcium channel blocker that reduces contractions; monitor for hypotension and avoid in unstable patients.
Terbutaline Sulfate: A beta-agonist that reduces contractions but may cause tachycardia and other adverse reactions; contraindicated in certain conditions such as hyperthyroidism.
Magnesium Sulfate: Administered intravenously to prevent preterm birth and protect the fetus's nervous system; contraindicated in myasthenia gravis.

Oxytocics and Uterotonics

Oxytocin (Pitocin): Synthetic oxytocin used to induce labor; contraindicated in fetal distress; monitor for excessive uterine stimulation.
Uterotonics: Used to control postpartum hemorrhage; oxytocin is typically the first-line choice post-delivery.
Carboprost Tromethamine: Stimulates uterine contractions; contraindicated in allergies and certain cardiovascular conditions.
Methylergonovine: Increases contraction strength and frequency; monitor for hypertension and other symptoms post-administration.
Misoprostol: Used for cervical ripening and postpartum hemorrhage management.

Estrogen and Progestins

Estrogen

Promotes growth in female tissues, primarily estradiol.
Regulates menstrual cycles and plays a role in pregnancy.
Various administration forms exist, including oral and transdermal.
Common uses include hormonal replacement therapy and birth control formulations.

Progesterone

Regulates endometrial changes for implantation.
Synthetic form (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) is used for contraceptive purposes and managing menstrual disorders.
Long-term use can lead to cardiovascular complications and other side effects.

Estrogen-Progestin Combinations

Effective in preventing pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and altering the endometrial lining.
Common side effects include GI issues and cardiovascular risks; contraindicated with certain conditions and medications.

Nursing Implications and Patient Teaching

Assess patient history, risk factors, and need for contraception.
Regular monitoring and education on signs of complications or medication interactions are essential.
Importance of backup contraception for certain hormonal therapies.