A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage.

Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to promote sustained uterine contractions?

Carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate) is a medication that should be anticipated for a client who is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage.It is a synthetic prostaglandin that stimulates strong and sustained uterine contractions and reduces bleeding.

Choice A is wrong because Pitocin is a uterotonic medication that is used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage by inducing contractions between delivery of the baby and the placenta.

It is not as effective as carboprost for treating severe bleeding.

Choice C is wrong because Methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) is another uterotonic medication that causes sustained uterine contractions and vasoconstriction.

However, it is contraindicated in patients with hypertension, which is a common complication of pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a synthetic prostaglandin that can be used to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions.However, it is less effective than carboprost and has more side effects such as fever, diarrhea and shivering.

Carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate) is a prostaglandin that stimulates uterine contractions and reduces bleeding.It is used when other uterotonic medications such as oxytocin (Pitocin) or methylergonovine maleate (Methergine) are ineffective or contraindicated.

Choice A is wrong because oxytocin is the first-line drug for preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony, but it may not be enough to enhance uterine tone in some cases.

Choice C is wrong because methylergonovine maleate is an ergot alkaloid that causes sustained uterine contractions, but it has more side effects and contraindications than oxytocin, such as hypertension, nausea, vomiting and headache.

Choice D is wrong because misoprostol (Cytotec) is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue that can be used orally, sublingually, rectally or vaginally to induce uterine contractions, but it is less effective and has more adverse effects than oxytocin or carboprost tromethamine.