Your postpartum patient is experiencing a hemorrhage. Vital signs are 156/94, heart rate 87, O2 saturation 95%. You increase the Pitocin drip wide open and prepare to give what medication to the patient next?

Choice A rationale

A pulse rate of 80 and regular does not directly indicate Methergine's effectiveness. Normal pulse ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. This could result from overall stabilization rather than medication effect.

Choice B rationale

A firm uterine fundus at the umbilicus and moderate lochia indicate effective uterine contraction and hemostasis, reflecting successful intervention with Methergine in managing postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice C rationale

A blood pressure of 120/80 is within the normal adult range but does not specifically reflect Methergine's uterotonic action. Blood pressure monitoring is essential but not the primary efficacy indicator.

Choice D rationale

An increase in prothrombin time reflects coagulation changes but is unrelated to Methergine's mechanism of action. It focuses on hemostatic effects via uterine contractions rather than coagulation pathways.

Choice A rationale

Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, improving lung compliance and facilitating gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, critical in addressing respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

Choice B rationale

Periodic apnea in premature infants is a neurological immaturity issue, not directly addressed by surfactant, which targets alveolar function in the lungs.

Choice C rationale

Surfactant does not possess antimicrobial properties; it functions to stabilize alveoli, not to combat respiratory infections.

Choice D rationale

Sedation requirements for infants are unrelated to surfactant therapy, which works mechanically in the lungs rather than through central nervous system effects.