OBSadvanced

Define uterine hyperstimulation and identify the standard subcutaneous tocolytic agent used for its immediate management.

Answer

Uterine hyperstimulation is defined as excessive uterine activity (tachysystole of >5 contractions in 10 minutes or hypertonus lasting >2 minutes) accompanied by an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern. The standard tocolytic agent used is subcutaneous terbutaline (0.25 mg).

Explanation

The source distinguishes excessive contraction frequency (**tachysystole**) from excessive duration (**hypertonus**). Either becomes uterine hyperstimulation when associated with an abnormal FHR pattern. The slides mention subcutaneous terbutaline 0.25 mg as a possible response. In practice, management should follow current local emergency protocols and the full clinical situation. **Key takeaway:** Hyperstimulation requires excessive uterine activity plus an abnormal fetal heart-rate pattern. **Glossary:** **FHR**: fetal heart rate. **Terbutaline**: a beta-agonist medication that can relax uterine muscle.

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