Question

A 31-year-old pregnant woman has been prescribed administration of a tocolytic drug. During which period is a tocolytic drug usually administered?

a) Postpartum
b) Pre-term labor
c) Second stage of labor
d) Antepartum

Answer 1

Tocolytic drugs are administered during pre-term labor to suppress premature uterine contractions and prevent early delivery.

Step-by-step explanation:

A tocolytic drug is usually administered during pre-term labor to delay the birth process. Tocolytics are medications used to suppress premature uterine contractions. The hormone primarily responsible for contractions during labor is oxytocin, and a synthetic form of this hormone, known as Pitocin, may be used to help restart or maintain labor if it stalls. A tocolytic drug, however, has the opposite effect, working to inhibit contractions and prevent premature delivery.