Betamethasone (Celestone) correct answersIndication: accelerates fetal lung maturity to reduce
incidence of RDS
Route: given to mom IM
Side effects: elevates glucose, pulmonary edema secondary to sodium and fluid retention
Nursing considerations: do not give to women with active infection, caution in diabetic mothers,
monitor glucose levels
Butorphanol (Stadol) correct answersIndication: systemic pain relief during labor
Route: given to mom IV
Side effects: respiratory depression and apnea, delirium, sedation, tremors, constipation
Nursing considerations: do not give to opiate dependent mothers, monitor VS (RR), fall
precautions, have nalaxone readily available
Carboprost (Hemabate) correct answersIndication: stimulates uterine contractions to treat post-
partum hemorrhage from uterine atony. can also be used for pregnancy termination.
Route: given to mom IM
Side effects: high doses can cause tetanic contractions, lacerations, and uterine rupture. Diarrhea
is very common.
Nursing considerations: avoid use with asthma patients, monitor VS (dehydration due to
diarrhea)
Methylergonovine (Methergine) correct answersIndication: stimulates uterine contractions to
treat and prevent post-partum or post-abortion hemorrhage from uterine atony or subinvolution.
Route: given to mom IM
Side effects: hypertension, chest pain, palpitations, dyspnea, seizures
Nursing considerations: avoid use in pts with hypertension, assess BP before and during use
Oxytocin (Pitocin) correct answersIndication: induction or augmentation of labor, controls post-
partum bleeding to prevent hemorrhage by causing uterus to contract, management of inevitable
or incomplete abortions.
Route: given to mom IV
Side effects: tachysystole, reduced FHR variability, late or prolonged decelerations
Nursing considerations: monitor FHR for 20 minutes before adminstration, if tachysystole occurs
stop the transfusion, start woman on O2 and put her side-lying, monitor VS every 30-60 minutes
Rho(D) Immune Globulin (RhoGAM) correct answersIndication: Given to Rh negative mom
who has been exposed to Rh positive blood; (1) delivering or aborting Rh + baby, (2) chorionic
villus sampling, amniocentesis, abd trauma while carrying Rh + baby
Route: given to mom IM
Side effects: localized pain at site, fever, headache
Nursing considerations: do not give to moms who are Rh positive or who have been sensitized to
Rho(D), given at 28 weeks and within 72 hrs after birth