Which of the following medicine is used to induce labor?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

Oxytocin is a hormone that directly stimulates the smooth muscle of the uterus, causing contractions.
It is the drug of choice for inducing (starting) labor when the cervix is ready (favorable) and for augmenting (strengthening) labor that is progressing slowly.
When given as an IV infusion, its dose can be carefully adjusted to mimic natural labor patterns, with periods of rest between contractions, which is crucial for fetal oxygenation.
Its short half-life allows for quick termination of its effects by stopping the infusion if uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress occurs.

Option B: Methergine (an ergot alkaloid) causes sustained, tetanic (non-stop) uterine contractions, which is dangerous for a fetus during labor. It does not allow for periods of uterine relaxation.
Option C: Carboprost is a potent prostaglandin primarily reserved for treating severe postpartum hemorrhage that has not responded to oxytocin or methergine. It is not a first-line agent for inducing labor in a viable pregnancy.
Option D: Ritodrine is a tocolytic agent, meaning it has the opposite effect of inducing labor. It relaxes the uterine muscle.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological Induction of Labor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are responsible for the safe administration and meticulous monitoring of Oxytocin, which is a high-alert medication due to the risk of uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress.
Understanding the contraindications for each drug is a critical patient safety issue. For example, administering Methergine to induce labor could lead to uterine rupture and fetal death.
What if? If a patient needs labor induction but has an unfavorable (unripe) cervix, the answer would change. A cervical ripening agent, such as the prostaglandin Dinoprostone (Cervidil) or Misoprostol, would be used before or sometimes with Oxytocin.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for a medication that starts or induces labor.
Review the options and recall the primary function of each drug in an obstetric setting.
Recognize Oxytocin as the principal hormone and medication used to stimulate uterine contractions for labor induction.
Identify Methergine and Carboprost as drugs primarily used for postpartum hemorrhage (after delivery), not for induction.
Identify Ritodrine as a tocolytic, a drug that does the opposite of inducing labor—it stops contractions.
By eliminating the distractors based on their primary functions, you can confidently select Oxytocin as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Nurses Shanbhag 3e p. 240-242

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

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi OneStop 9e p. 70-72