Labor and Delivery Medications***||Completely solved.
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Softens and thins the cervix correct answersDosage and routes: PO 200mcg qid with food
Common side effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Nursing considerations:
Monitor GI symptoms.
Pregnancy X
Dinoprostone (cervidil)
Stimulates uterine contractions correct answersDosage and Routes:
Cervical ripening- gel 0.5mg vag; max 1.5 mg/ 24 hrs.
Supp 20 mg
Common side effects:
headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, leg cramps, joint swelling.
Nursing considerations:
assess dilation and effacement of the cervix.
Monitor for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Assess for hypersensitivity reaction.
Assess vitals.
Check vaginal discharge.
Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Classification Action: Induces labor, or contracts the uterus after delivery. Stop immediately in
presence of late decelerations.
Control of bleeding.
Stimulation of milk letdown. correct answersDosage and routes:
labor induction- IV 1-2 milliunit/min increase by 1-2 milliunit 15-60 min unit regular
contractions occur, then decrease dosage.
Postpartum hemorrhage- IV 10-40 unitsin 1000ml nonhydrating diluent infused at 20-40
milliunit/min.
IM 3-10 units after placenta delivery
Common side effects: uterine rupture.
Nursing considerations: Assess labor contractions, monitor BP, I&O, assess for water
intoxication, and watch for fetal distress.
Betamethasone (Celestone):
Stimulates fetal lung maturation between 24-32 weeks gestation. correct answersDosage and
Routes:0.6 to 7.2 mg per day.
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Softens and thins the cervix correct answersDosage and routes: PO 200mcg qid with food
Common side effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
Nursing considerations:
Monitor GI symptoms.
Pregnancy X
Dinoprostone (cervidil)
Stimulates uterine contractions correct answersDosage and Routes:
Cervical ripening- gel 0.5mg vag; max 1.5 mg/ 24 hrs.
Supp 20 mg
Common side effects:
headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, leg cramps, joint swelling.
Nursing considerations:
assess dilation and effacement of the cervix.
Monitor for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Assess for hypersensitivity reaction.
Assess vitals.
Check vaginal discharge.
Oxytocin (Pitocin)
Classification Action: Induces labor, or contracts the uterus after delivery. Stop immediately in
presence of late decelerations.
Control of bleeding.
Stimulation of milk letdown. correct answersDosage and routes:
labor induction- IV 1-2 milliunit/min increase by 1-2 milliunit 15-60 min unit regular
contractions occur, then decrease dosage.
Postpartum hemorrhage- IV 10-40 unitsin 1000ml nonhydrating diluent infused at 20-40
milliunit/min.
IM 3-10 units after placenta delivery
Common side effects: uterine rupture.
Nursing considerations: Assess labor contractions, monitor BP, I&O, assess for water
intoxication, and watch for fetal distress.
Betamethasone (Celestone):
Stimulates fetal lung maturation between 24-32 weeks gestation. correct answersDosage and
Routes:0.6 to 7.2 mg per day.
