Which of the following is uterotonic drug?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

Explanation

Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, a class of drugs known for stimulating smooth muscle.
As a uterotonic, it directly acts on the myometrium (uterine muscle) to increase the force and frequency of contractions.
This effect makes it clinically useful for inducing labor, ripening the cervix, and preventing or treating postpartum hemorrhage by ensuring the uterus contracts firmly after delivery.

Option A: Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestin hormone, not a uterine stimulant. Its primary function is contraception.
Option B: Isoxuprine is a tocolytic agent, which has the opposite effect of a uterotonic. It relaxes the uterine muscle.
Option D: Magnesium sulphate is also a tocolytic. It relaxes the uterine smooth muscle, in addition to its primary role as an anticonvulsant in eclampsia.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacology of Uterine Stimulants (Uterotonics) and Relaxants (Tocolytics) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A critical nursing responsibility in obstetrics is to differentiate between uterotonics and tocolytics to prevent severe medication errors.
Administering a uterotonic like misoprostol to a patient in preterm labor could cause premature delivery and fetal distress.
Conversely, giving a tocolytic to a patient with postpartum hemorrhage would worsen the bleeding and could be fatal.

How to Approach the Question

First, define the key term in the question: 'Uterotonic'. This means a drug that causes the uterus to contract.
Next, systematically review the pharmacological action of each option provided.
Recall or look up that Levonorgestrel is a hormone for contraception.
Identify Isoxuprine and Magnesium sulphate as tocolytics, drugs that relax the uterus to stop preterm labor.
Recognize Misoprostol as a prostaglandin, a well-known class of uterine stimulants.
Conclude that Misoprostol is the only option that fits the definition of a uterotonic drug.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacology of Uterine Stimulants (Uterotonics) and Relaxants (Tocolytics)
Stem keywords: uterotonic drug
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

QZj7XWUUdVGgsFdcNWMr7s

E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 240-242

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 p. 241-243

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 5-7

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2022

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