A nurse is assessing a client who received methylergonovine to treat uterine atony in the fourth stage of labor.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?
Seizures.
Hypertension.
Tachycardia.
Water retention.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While seizures are a serious adverse effect of ergot alkaloids, they are primarily associated with the most severe form of ergotism, which is an overdose or prolonged exposure, or in clients with severe preeclampsia/eclampsia. Methylergonovine's more common and immediate adverse effect is its potent vasoconstrictive property, leading to elevated blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Methylergonovine is an ergot alkaloid that acts as a potent vasoconstrictor and smooth muscle contractor, primarily on the uterus to treat postpartum hemorrhage and uterine atony. Its generalized vasoconstrictive effect, however, can lead to a significant elevation in blood pressure, making hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg or an increase of 20 mmHg or more) a major and frequent adverse effect.
Choice C rationale
Methylergonovine's potent vasoconstrictive action typically causes an increase in peripheral vascular resistance, which often results in bradycardia (heart rate less than 60 beats/min) as a reflex response to the elevated blood pressure. Tachycardia (heart rate greater than 100 beats/min) is not a typical adverse effect of this medication.
Choice D rationale
Methylergonovine acts mainly on the smooth muscle of the uterus and blood vessels; it does not typically cause water retention. Water retention is more commonly associated with conditions like preeclampsia or medications such as glucocorticoids. The adverse effects of methylergonovine center around vasoconstriction and uterine cramping.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Migraine with aura is considered a Category 4 contraindication (unacceptable health risk) for the use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), including oral contraceptives. The estrogen component in CHCs increases the risk of ischemic stroke, and this risk is substantially amplified in clients who experience migraine headaches with focal neurological symptoms (aura), necessitating the selection of an alternative birth control method.
Choice B rationale
Hypotension (low blood pressure) is typically not a contraindication for oral contraceptive use. In fact, some studies suggest a potential, though often clinically insignificant, increase in blood pressure with CHC use due to a potential increase in circulating angiotensinogen, the precursor to the vasoconstrictive hormone angiotensin II. The use of CHCs is not restricted based on hypotension.
Choice C rationale
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is often significantly improved or resolved by the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). COCs work by suppressing ovulation and thinning the endometrial lining, which typically reduces prostaglandin production, thus decreasing the cramping and pain associated with the menstrual cycle, making it an indication, not a contraindication.
Choice D rationale
A history of ovarian cysts is generally not a contraindication for combined oral contraceptive use, provided the cysts were non-malignant and resolved or are benign. In fact, COCs can be used to treat or prevent the recurrence of functional ovarian cysts by suppressing the hormonal stimulation of the ovaries that leads to their formation, making it a potential therapeutic benefit.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking about the fluid's color (clear, meconium-stained, bloody) provides information about fetal well-being and potential complications (like meconium aspiration), but it is a secondary assessment. While important, it does not supersede the need to immediately assess the most urgent physiological parameter of fetal status, which is the heart rate.
Choice B rationale
The rupture of membranes (water breaking) carries a risk of prolapsed umbilical cord, which can severely compromise fetal oxygenation by compressing the umbilical vessels. Determining the fetal heart rate (FHR) immediately is the priority action to identify signs of fetal distress, such as bradycardia (FHR <110 beats/min), indicating cord compression. The normal FHR range is 110-160 beats/min.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring cervical dilation is necessary to determine the stage and progress of labor. However, in the setting of ruptured membranes, assessing the immediate safety and stability of the fetus takes precedence over checking labor progress. A vaginal exam to check dilation is done after assessing FHR and ruling out immediate emergencies like cord prolapse.
Choice D rationale
Determining the vaginal pH with Nitrazine paper can confirm if the fluid is amniotic fluid (alkaline, pH 7.0-7.5) or urine/vaginal secretions (acidic). While this confirms the rupture of membranes, establishing the status of the fetus by assessing the FHR is the most critical and life-saving priority action to take first to prevent or quickly address fetal hypoxia.
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