Pharmacology and Practice Lecture

Introduction

• Website Recommendation: simplenursing.com for nursing students to cut study time by 60%
• Focus: Two medications – combination hormonal contraceptives & terbutaline

Combination Hormonal Contraceptives

Components

• Estrogen: Typically Ethylin Estradiol
  • Suppresses ovulation
  • Changes cervical mucus & uterine lining
  • Makes it difficult for sperm to reach egg/prevent implantation
• Progesterone: Such as Leog Gestone
  • Prevents ovulation
  • Thickens cervical mucus to reduce pregnancy risk

Case Study: Emily

• Patient: Emily, 25-year-old
• Scenario: Gynecologist visit for contraceptive counseling
• Recommendation: Oral contraceptive pill containing Ethylin Estradiol & Leog Gestone
• Instructions:
  • Take one pill daily at the same time
  • Side effects: nausea, breast tenderness, breakthrough bleeding
  • Report any concerning symptoms
  • Use backup contraception during the first week and if any doses are missed
  • Regular follow-up for monitoring

Terbutaline

Usage

• Medication used in OB to manage pre-term labor contractions
• Bronchodilator: Relaxes smooth muscles in uterus, inhibits uterine contractions
  • Mnemonic: "Wait in line" with terbutaline to slow down contractions

Case Study: Sarah

• Patient: Sarah, 28-year-old, 32 weeks pregnant
• Scenario: Labor and delivery unit with contractions, diagnosed with pre-term labor
• Treatment:
  • IV infusion of terbutaline
  • Gradual dose increase until contractions subside or max dose is reached
  • Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, fetal heart rate)
  • Switch to oral terbutaline tablets after 24 hours

Key Point

• Terbutaline is used as a tocolytic to suppress premature labor and delay pre-term birth

Conclusion

• Summary: Two medications – hormonal contraceptives for birth control & terbutaline for pre-term labor management
• Emphasis on the importance of understanding pharmacology for safe, effective patient care
• Recommendation: Visit simplenursing.com for more resources and study aids