A nurse is administering carboprost to a patient with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). What is the primary action of carboprost in managing PPH?

Question

Question

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AIIMS NORCET 7 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2024

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Stimulating uterine contractions to reduce bleeding

Rationale:

Carboprost is a synthetic prostaglandin F2α analog that is primarily used to manage postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) by stimulating strong uterine contractions.
The action of carboprost on the uterine muscle helps to compress blood vessels within the uterus, effectively reducing bleeding and helping to control hemorrhage.
By promoting uterine contractions, carboprost helps to decrease the risk of severe blood loss, which is crucial in the management of PPH, a leading cause of maternal mortality.

Explanation of Other Options:

Reducing the blood pressure to improve uterine perfusion

Rationale: This option is incorrect because carboprost does not act by reducing blood pressure. Instead, it works by stimulating uterine contractions. Reducing blood pressure is not a primary mechanism for managing PPH.

Reversing the effects of excessive blood loss

Rationale: This option is incorrect because carboprost does not directly reverse the effects of blood loss. While it helps to control bleeding, it does not replace lost blood volume or directly counteract the physiological effects of blood loss.

Preventing clot formation in the uterus

Rationale: This option is incorrect because carboprost does not prevent clot formation. In fact, the formation of blood clots in the uterus can help to stop bleeding. Carboprost's role is to induce contractions to reduce hemorrhage, not to affect clotting mechanisms.

Conclusion:

Carboprost is effectively used in the management of postpartum hemorrhage by stimulating uterine contractions, which help to reduce bleeding. This mechanism is vital in addressing PPH and preventing severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Other options provided do not accurately describe the primary action of carboprost in this clinical scenario.