What is a tocolytic drug? - Answer Medications that produce uterine relaxation and
suppress uterine activity in an attempt to stop uterine contractions and prevent preterm
birth
What is a tocolytic used for? - Answer Stopping contractions of the uterus and
preventing preterm birth
Name some tocolytic drugs - Answer indomethacin
magnesium sulfate
nifedipine
terbutaline
Contraindications for tocolytic drug therapy: - Answer Maternal:
severe preeclampsia, active vaginal bleeding, intrauterine infection, cardiac disease,
and medical or OB condition that contraindicates the continuation of pregnancy
Fetal:
estimated gestational age >37 weeks, cervical dilation >4 cm, fetal demise, lethal fetal
anomaly, chorioamnionitis, acute fetal distress, and chronic intrauterine growth
restriction
Interventions for patient receiving tocolytic drugs: - Answer Position on side (preferably
left) - enhances placental perfusion and reduces pressure on the cervix
Monitor maternal vital signs, fetal status and labor status frequently
Monitor for signs of averse effects to the medication
Monitor daily weight and I&O; provide fluid replacement as indicated
Offer comfort measures and provide psychosocial support to client and family
What is indomethacin? - Answer Prostaglandin inhibitor that relaxes uterine smooth
muscle
Adverse effects of indomethacin: - Answer Maternal:
nausea and vomiting, dyspepsia, dizziness
Fetal: premature closure of ductus arteriosus
Newborn: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial
pressure, necrotizing enterocolitis, hyperbilirubinemia
Nursing interventions for indomethacin: - Answer Used when other methods fail ONLY if
gestational age is <32 weeks
Not used in clients with bleeding potential, peptic ulcer disease, or oligohydramnios
Follow agency protocol
Prepare to determine amniotic fluid volume and function of ductus arteriosus before
therapy and within 48 hours of dc therapy
, NCLEX OB Drugs
What is magnesium sulfate? - Answer Central nervous system depressant that relaxes
smooth muscle, including uterus; used to stop preterm labor contractions and in
preeclamptic clients to prevent seizures
Also used as an anticonvulsant
What are the uses of magnesium sulfate? - Answer Stop preterm labor and prevent
preterm birth
Preventing and controlling seizures in preeclamptic or eclamptic clients
Adverse effects of magnesium sulfate: - Answer Maternal:
depressed respirations, depressed DTRs, hypotension, extreme muscle weakness,
flushing, decreased urine output, pulmonary edema, serum magnesium levels >9 mg/dL
Newborn:
hyponatremia and sleepiness
Contraindications of magnesium sulfate: - Answer Heart block, myocardial damage,
kidney failure
Nursing interventions for magnesium sulfate: - Answer Always use IV pump for
administration
Follow protocol of agency
Monitor maternal vitals every 30-60 min
Assess renal function and cardiac function
DC infusion and notify provider if adverse effects occur
Monitor for respirations <12/min, urine output <100 mL/4 hrs
Monitor magnesium levels and report levels outside therapeutic range (4-7.5 mEq/L)
Monitor DTR every hour for signs of toxicity
Monitor I&O hourly
Keep calcium gluconate available
IV administration should not be used for 2 hours preceding delivery
What is the antidote for magnesium sulfate? - Answer Calcium gluconate
What is nifedipine? - Answer Calcium channel blocker that relaxes smooth muscles,
including the uterus, by blocking calcium entry
Adverse effects of nifedipine: - Answer Maternal:
tachycardia, hypotension, dizziness, headache, nervousness, facial flushing, fatigue,
nausea
Newborn:
hypotension
Nursing interventions for nifedipine: - Answer Follow agency protocol