A laboring patient is given terbutaline as a tocolytic. Which adverse effect requires immediate action?

A laboring patient is given terbutaline as a tocolytic. Which adverse effect requires immediate action?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Maternal tachycardia
• C. Nausea
• D. Headache

Answer: (B)

Terbutaline tocolysis works by stimulating beta receptors to relax the uterus, but it can also activate beta receptors in the heart. This can cause maternal tachycardia. A rapid heart rate is the red flag because it indicates excessive systemic stimulation and can progress to tachyarrhythmias, increased myocardial oxygen demand, and compromised maternal hemodynamics and fetal oxygenation. When tachycardia occurs, the immediate actions are to stop or reduce the terbutaline infusion, notify the clinician, and monitor maternal vitals and fetal status closely. Nausea and headache are uncomfortable but not as urgent, and hypotension, while serious, is not the scenario highlighted here.

Terbutaline tocolysis works by stimulating beta receptors to relax the uterus, but it can also activate beta receptors in the heart. This can cause maternal tachycardia. A rapid heart rate is the red flag because it indicates excessive systemic stimulation and can progress to tachyarrhythmias, increased myocardial oxygen demand, and compromised maternal hemodynamics and fetal oxygenation. When tachycardia occurs, the immediate actions are to stop or reduce the terbutaline infusion, notify the clinician, and monitor maternal vitals and fetal status closely. Nausea and headache are uncomfortable but not as urgent, and hypotension, while serious, is not the scenario highlighted here.