College of Nursing

Silliman University
Dumaguete City

Resource Unit on Drugs and IVF’s

Prepared by:
Chris Avengel M. Villafuerte
Jode Michael Escara
Facilitator: Asst. Prof. Ida Olga R. Vidal
June 2019 SY 2019-2020
TIME ALLOTMENT: 45 MINUTES
TOPIC DESCRIPTION:
This topic explains the common drugs administered to postpartum women and classifications of intravenous fluids given to a new mother.
CENTRAL OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the presentation about Drugs and IVF’s , the students will be able to identify the common drugs administered to postpartum women ,distinguish the
mechanisms of action and side effects to be able to provide appropriate nursing intervention and also classify the intravenous fluids given to the mother during the
postpartum period.
Specific Objectives
After the presentation, the
students will be able to….
 Identify the common I.
drugs administered to
the postpartum
women as well as
recognize the
different side effects
of the drug to be able
to provide appropriate
and safe nursing
interventions based
on the needs of the
client.
Content T.A T.L Evaluation
Activities Method
Common Postpartum Drugs
1. Mefenamic Acid
Trade name: Ponstan
Generic Name: Mefenamic Acid
Classification: NSAID
Mechanism of action: Acts as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory by blocking the
action of the substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase which is responsible in the
production of prostaglandins which are produced by the body in response to injury Lecture with Question
and certain conditions that causes pain, swelling and inflammation. 20 PowerPoint and Answer
st
Dosage: Adult: 13 yrs.old-above 500 mg on the 1 dose and 250mg on the mins. presentation
succeeding dose every six hours after meal for 3 days
Side effects: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness and vomiting.
Adverse Effects: Cardiovascular problem, ulceration, bleeding in the stomach and
depression.
Nursing Intervention:
 Adequate rest and sleep.
 Liniment and essential oils
 Sleep and activity schedule
 Increase fluid intake
  Perineal Care

2. Cefuroxime Axetil
Trade name: Ceftin
Generic Name: Cefuroxime
Classification: Cephalosporin Antibiotics
Mechanism of Action: Antibacterial that inhibits the bacterial cell wall synthesis
Dosage:Adult: 13yrs.old- above 250-500 mg every 12 hours after meal
Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting
Adverse Effects: Anaphylactic Reaction and Phenylketonuria
Nursing Intervention:
 Increase water intake
 Eating of sweets or candy
 Perineal care
 Heat Lamp therapy
3. Methergine
Trade Name: Methergine
Generic Name: Methylergonovine Maleate
Classification: Ergot alkaloids
Mechanism of Action: Use to prevent and control postpartum haemorrhage by acting
directly on the smooth muscle of the uterus providing rapid and sustained titanic
uterotonic effect which shortens the third stage of labor and reduces blood loss.
Dosage:
 IM: 1ml, 0.2 mg during the puerperium. May be repeated as required , at
intervals of 2-4 hours.
 IV: 1 ml,0.2 mg,administered slowly over a period of no less than 60 seconds.
 Orally: one tablet, 0.2 mg, 3 or 4 times daily for a maximum of 1 week.
Side Effects: Headache, Abdominal Pain, seizure, nausea and vomiting.
Adverse Effect: Hypertension
Nursing Intervention:
 Essential and liniment oils
 Reduce intake of coffee or colored juices, more on clear fluids such as water
 Cover the client with thick blanket in case of seizure

 Classify the different II.
types of intravenous
solutions given to a
mother and newborn
in the postpartum
period and recognize
the indications and
complications to be
able to safely provide
the care needed by
the mother and new
born
 Advise to eat sweets or candy when feeling nauseous
4. Anusol Rectal
Trade name: Anusol Rectal
Generic Name: Hydrocortisone acetate rectal suppositories
Classification: corticosteroid
Mechanism of Action: anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrcitive
Dosage: 1 suppository in the rectum morning and night for two weeks
Side effects: burning, irritation, itching, dryness
Adverse Effects: Folliculitis
Nursing Intervention:
 Hot Sitz bath
 Recommend eating fibrous food such as bananas, beans, legumes, oranges and
whole grain foods
Intravenous Fluids
A. Classifications of Intravenous Fluid, examples and indications
1. Isotonic Solution:
 Has the same osmolarity as serum and other body fluids, hence it says where
it is infused (intravascular space)
a. Examples:
Lactated Ringer’s (LR), Normal Saline (NS) or 0.9% saline in water
b. indication:
Blood loss or hypovolemia 25
2. Hypotonic Solution: mins.
 Osmolarity is lower than serum
 When infused, fluids shift out of the blood vessel (intravascular space) and
into the cells and interstitial spaces where osmolarity is higher
a. Examples:
0.45 NS, 0.33 NS, Dextrose 2.5% in Water 1/2 NS
b. Indication:
 Dehydration
 Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
 Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
 Clients with cellular dehydrations
 3. Hypertonic Solution:
 Has osmolarity higher than serum
 When infused, it initially increases the osmolarity causing the fluid to be
pulled from the interstitial and intracellular compartments into the blood
vessels(intravascular space)
a. Example:
0.9% NS, D5.45NS (5% dextrose and 0.45% NaCl), D5LR
(blood products and albumin)
b. Indication:
 Regulate urine output
 Stabilize blood pressure
 Reduce risk of edema
 Post-op patients

B. Common Complications of IV Therapy

1. Infiltration
 The entrance of an infused substance into the surrounding tissues rather
than into the vein
a. Causes
 Dislodged catheter
 Vein wall becomes weak and ruptures and solution leaks out into the
tissues
 Fluid leaks around the catheter and out of the insertion site out into the
tissues
 Opposite side of the vein wall is perforated
i. Signs and Symptoms:
 Swollen IV site (maybe below or above) IV site depending on the
elasticity of the skin
 Swollen area may be cooler than the rest of the skin
 IV solution runs but may be sluggish and eventually ceases to run
 IV solution is draining from IV site
 Blood return may or may not be present
 Pain at the IV site
  Skin in the area of infiltration appears pale
b. Prevention
 Make certain IV site is secure
 Use of arm board on flexor areas is useful
 Lift the arm and evaluate for dependent swelling
 Make sure tape is not too tight to obstruct circulation
 Use catheters that are flat
 Will decrease skin and vein tearing
 Minimize movement of catheter in the skin
 Proper venipuncture technique
c. Interventions
 Discontinue IV and restart well above the infiltration site
 Apply pressure at the site of discontinued IV
 Elevate limb to enhance movement of solution
 Apply warm compress to increase circulation and to ease the pain

2. Haemorthage/Bleeding
A. Causes
 Loose connection of tubing or injection port
 Inadvertent or accidental removal of peripheral or
central catheter
 Anti-coagulent therapy
B. Intervention
 Pressure dressing may be applied over the site to
control the bleeding
 Notify the physician
C. Prevention
 Tape all catheters securely
 Use transparent dressing when possible for peripheral
or central catheters
 Tape the remaining catheter lumens in a loop so tension
is not directly on the catheter
References:

https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Intravenous_Fluids/

https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/intravenous-therapy-peripheral-and-central-venous-catheters/

https://nurse.plus/become-a-nurse/4-most-commonly-used-iv-fluids/

https://www.rxlist.com/anusol-rectal-drug.htm#description

https://www.healthline.com/health/mefenamic-acid-oral-capsule

Lehne,R.,(1998) Pharmacology for nursing care 3rd ed. W.b.saunders company