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Chapter 12 Obstetric Complications
Meike Schuster, DO
❍ Beta-sympathomimetics may cause which electrolyte abnormalities?
Hypokalemia and hypocalcemia.
❍ Antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity?
1 g calcium gluconate IV push.
❍ Name the contraindication to terbutaline.
Maternal cardiac disease (structural, ischemic, dysrhythmia), hypertensive disease, antepartum hemorrhage,
uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and uncontrolled maternal hyperthyroidism.
❍ What is the incidence of preterm birth in the United States?
11.8%.
❍ What endogenous substances have been linked to preterm labor?
Bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides), platelet activating factor, interleukins 1 and 6, and tumor
necrosis factor.
❍ What substance is released when the amnion begins to separate from the decidua?
Fetal fibronectin.
❍ What is the significance of testing cervical secretions for fetal fibronectin?
Negative predictive value 95% of not delivering within 14 days when test negative
Positive predictive value 40% of delivery when test positive in symptomatic women
❍ Low-lying placenta with a marginal insertion, soft abdomen, a minimal amount of bleeding, and acutely
distressed fetus suggests?
Vasa previa.