Health Promotion and Maintenance
40. A client, who is gravida 1, para 0, is admitted to labor and delivery for induction of labor at 41 weeks' gestation. Her cervical examination reveals her cervix to be closed and thick and the fetal head is out of the pelvis. Which medications should a nurse anticipate being ordered by a physician? Select all that apply.
Test-Taking Tip
The key information in the stem is that the client has an unripe cervix (closed, thick, and fetal head out of the pelvis). Select drugs that ripen the cervix for induction of labor. Eliminate the calcium channel blocker and the beta-adrenergic drugs.
Content Area: Maternity, Intrapartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Expected Effects/Outcomes
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that is used to treat preterm labor, not to induce labor. Answer 2 is correct because cervidil is a prostaglandin E2 vaginal insert used to help ripen the cervix for induction of labor. Answer 3 is correct because prostaglandin gel is a ripening agent used to help ripen the cervix for induction of labor. Answer 4 is correct because misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog used to help ripen the cervix for induction of labor. Answer 5 is incorrect because Brethine (terbutaline) is an asthma drug, which is a beta-adrenergic that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus. It is not a drug used to induce labor.
