CMA Medications & Pharmacology in Midwifery

Question 1

Which medication is the first-line treatment for postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

Answer

Oxytocin administered IV or IM immediately after delivery of the placenta is the first-line uterotonic for preventing and treating uterine atony.

Question 2

Methylergonovine (Methergine) is contraindicated in patients with:

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Methergine causes vasoconstriction and is absolutely contraindicated in hypertensive patients due to the risk of severe blood pressure elevation.

Question 3

Vitamin K is administered to newborns shortly after birth to prevent:

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (VKDB)

Answer

Newborns have low vitamin K stores and immature gut flora; intramuscular vitamin K prevents vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).

Question 4

Which tocolytic medication works by blocking calcium channels to inhibit uterine contractions?

Accepted Answer

Nifedipine

Answer

Nifedipine, a calcium channel blocker, reduces uterine contractility by preventing calcium influx into myometrial cells.

Question 5

The recommended dose of folic acid supplementation to reduce neural tube defect risk in pregnancy is:

Accepted Answer

400 mcg/day

Answer

The CDC recommends 400 mcg of folic acid daily beginning at least one month before conception and throughout the first trimester.

CMA - Certified Midwife Assistant Practice Test