Labour: betamimetic side effects: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Labour: betamimetic side effects

Sample item

Which adverse effects are characteristic of ritodrine or terbutaline tocolysis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Maternal tachycardia, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia and pulmonary oedema

Beta-2 agonists cause maternal tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia and, with fluid overload, pulmonary oedema. They are contraindicated in cardiac disease and uncontrolled diabetes. Nifedipine is now preferred as first-line.

Option by option

  • A. Bradycardia and hyperkalaemia

    They cause tachycardia, not bradycardia.

  • B. Hypoglycaemia and hypertension

    They cause hyperglycaemia, not hypoglycaemia.

  • C. Constipation and somnolence

    These are not typical of beta agonists.

  • D. Maternal tachycardia, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia and pulmonary oedema (correct)

    Correct. These are the known beta-agonist effects.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is D, Maternal tachycardia, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia and pulmonary oedema. Beta-2 agonists cause maternal tachycardia, palpitations, tremors, hypokalaemia, hyperglycaemia and, with fluid overload, pulmonary oedema.

Why is "Bradycardia and hyperkalaemia" not the answer?

They cause tachycardia, not bradycardia.

Why is "Hypoglycaemia and hypertension" not the answer?

They cause hyperglycaemia, not hypoglycaemia.

Why is "Constipation and somnolence" not the answer?

These are not typical of beta agonists.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: betamimetic side effects in OBG. They are contraindicated in cardiac disease and uncontrolled diabetes. Nifedipine is now preferred as first-line.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Labour: betamimetic side effects?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.