Baby blues For most women, having a baby is a joyous experience. However, childbirth leaves some women feeling sad, angry, anxious, and afraid. Commonly called postpartum blues or baby blues,…

Terbutaline Description I.V. terbutaline (Brethine) is a beta-adrenergic agent used to stop contractions in preterm labor. Equipment Administration set for primary I.V. line (if the patient does not have one…

RhoGAM Description RhoGAM is a concentrated solution of immune globulin containing Rho(D) antibodies. I.M. RhoGAM injection keeps the Rh-negative mother from producing active antibody responses and forming anti-Rho(D) to Rh-positive…

Administering magnesium sulfate safely If your patient requires I.V. magnesium therapy, use caution when administering the drug because magnesium toxicity may occur. Follow these guidelines to ensure the patient’s safety…

Cervical ripening agents If a woman’s cervix isn’t soft and supple, a ripening agent may be applied to stimulate labor. Drugs containing prostaglandin E2, such as dinoprostone (Cervidil, Prepidil, Prostin…

Mixing insulin When mixing insulin, always draw up clear insulin first, then cloudy. To mix insulin, follow these steps: Wipe the rubber top of the insulin vials with alcohol. Gently…