Pharmacology & Medications in Midwifery Flashcards

For treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, how should oxytocin be administered to avoid cardiovascular side effects?

Answer: 10–40 IU diluted in IV fluid as a controlled infusion

Oxytocin for PPH treatment should be given as a diluted infusion (10–40 IU in 500–1000 mL NS) to avoid severe cardiovascular side effects associated with undiluted rapid bolus administration.

A breastfeeding patient develops mastitis. Which antibiotic class is generally avoided due to concerns about infant cartilage development?

Answer: Fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) are generally avoided in breastfeeding because they may affect infant cartilage development and alter neonatal gut flora.

A patient receiving both nifedipine (tocolysis) and magnesium sulfate (seizure prophylaxis) should be monitored for which drug interaction?

Answer: Enhanced neuromuscular blockade and excessive hypotension

Concurrent nifedipine and magnesium sulfate can produce enhanced neuromuscular blockade and severe hypotension because both drugs interfere with calcium-dependent processes.

What is the recommended daily dose of folic acid for a woman of childbearing age to prevent neural tube defects?

Answer: Folic acid 400–800 mcg/day

Folic acid 400–800 mcg/day is recommended preconceptionally and through the first trimester to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

A neonate delivered 4 hours after maternal meperidine administration presents with respiratory depression. Which medication should be given?

Answer: Naloxone 0.1 mg/kg IM/IV

Naloxone is the opioid antagonist of choice for reversing neonatal respiratory depression caused by maternal opioid administration close to delivery.

Antenatal corticosteroids are administered to a patient at 32 weeks with threatened preterm labor. What is the primary therapeutic goal?

Answer: Acceleration of fetal lung surfactant production

Betamethasone or dexamethasone accelerates fetal lung maturity by stimulating surfactant production, significantly reducing the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

When reviewing a medication's FDA pregnancy category, which category indicates that animal studies have demonstrated fetal risk and adequate human studies are lacking, but potential benefits may warrant use?

Answer: Category C

FDA Category C indicates animal reproductive studies have shown adverse fetal effects, no adequate human studies exist, and use is justified only when potential benefits outweigh the risks.