Question

As an adjunct to inductions, a number of procedures to ripen the cervix are employed. One of these methods is the vaginal administration of preparations using prostaglandins. Before administering this medication, the nurse should be aware that this class of drug is an appropriate choice for women who have had a prior cesarean birth.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The use of prostaglandins for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean birth is not generally recommended due to the increased risk of uterine rupture. Prostaglandins are otherwise used for inducing labor but in these cases, alternative methods should be considered.

Step-by-step explanation:

The administration of prostaglandins for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean birth is actually a matter that needs careful consideration. Prostaglandins can increase the risk of uterine rupture in women who have had a prior cesarean section due to their strong effect on inducing uterine contractions. Thus, using prostaglandins as an adjunct to induction in these women is generally contraindicated, and alternative methods of cervical ripening should be considered.

Prostaglandins such as derivatives of PGE2 are widely used to induce labor by promoting the thinning and dilation of the cervix and increasing the contractile strength of the uterus. These medications are part of the hormone group that also plays a role in lowering blood pressure, inhibiting stomach secretions, and influencing inflammation. Aspirin and other NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins and can affect labor induction processes.

Overall, when a pregnancy is not progressing to labor naturally and induction is necessary, alternatives to prostaglandins, such as mechanical methods or the pharmaceutical compound pitocin, a form of oxytocin, might be used, especially in the case of women with a history of cesarean birth.