A nurse is administering terbutaline to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.
Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?
A.
Hypotension
B.
Tachycardia
C.
Hyperglycemia
D.
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Tachycardia.
Explanation:
Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist commonly used as a tocolytic agent to delay preterm labor. It works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors, leading to relaxation of the uterine smooth muscle and thus delaying contractions. However, this medication can have several side effects due to its systemic action on beta-adrenergic receptors throughout the body.
One significant adverse effect of terbutaline is tachycardia. This occurs because terbutaline stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, which can increase the heart rate. Tachycardia is a common side effect and should be closely monitored. The nurse should be vigilant for signs of increased heart rate and any symptoms that might suggest cardiac complications.
In addition to tachycardia, other potential side effects of terbutaline include:
- Hyperglycemia (option C): Terbutaline can cause an increase in blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and decreasing insulin sensitivity. While hyperglycemia is a concern, it is less immediate and direct compared to tachycardia in terms of monitoring.
- Hypokalemia (option D): Terbutaline can cause a shift of potassium into cells, potentially leading to low serum potassium levels. This can be significant but is less common as an acute effect compared to tachycardia.
- Hypotension (option A): Terbutaline primarily causes an increase in heart rate and does not usually cause significant hypotension. However, monitoring blood pressure is still important as part of comprehensive care.
In summary, while all listed effects are important to monitor, tachycardia is the most immediate and frequent adverse effect associated with terbutaline use. The nurse should monitor for elevated heart rate and other signs of cardiovascular stress while administering this medication to manage preterm labor effectively.