The drug that has power to excite uterine contractions is known as:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Oxytocin is a hormone and medication that directly stimulates the myometrium (the muscular layer of the uterine wall).
It increases the frequency, force, and duration of uterine contractions, which is essential for inducing or augmenting labor.
Clinically, it is a primary agent used for labor induction and to control postpartum hemorrhage by ensuring the uterus remains firmly contracted after delivery.

Option A: Tocolytics have the opposite effect; they are uterine relaxants used to suppress or stop premature labor.
Option C: Steroids, specifically corticosteroids like betamethasone, are given to the mother during preterm labor to accelerate fetal lung maturation, not to stimulate contractions.
Option D: Betamimetics (e.g., terbutaline) are a class of tocolytics. They act on beta-2 adrenergic receptors to relax the uterine muscle.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacology of Uterine Stimulants and Relaxants helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must administer oxytocin via an infusion pump for precise dose control, as hyperstimulation can lead to fetal distress or uterine rupture.
Continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate and uterine contraction patterns is mandatory during oxytocin infusion.
What if? If a patient receiving oxytocin develops contractions that are too frequent (e.g., more than 5 in 10 minutes) or prolonged, the nurse's first action is to stop the infusion and notify the provider.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key action described in the question: 'excite uterine contractions'.
This phrase means to stimulate or increase the strength and frequency of contractions.
Next, recall the definitions of the drug classes listed in the options.
Tocolytics are uterine relaxants.
Oxytocin is a uterine stimulant.
Steroids are used for fetal lung maturity.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 240-242

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 pp. 241-243, 242-244

Practise the full IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.