Maternity Nursing Q 40
A pregnant patient asks the nurse if she can take castor oil for her constipation. How should the nurse respond?
A. “Yes, it produces no adverse effect.”
B. “No, it can initiate premature uterine contractions.”
C. “No, it can promote sodium retention.”
D. “No, it can lead to increased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.”
Correct Answer: B. “No, it can initiate premature uterine contractions.”
Castor oil can initiate premature uterine contractions in pregnant women. It also can produce other adverse effects, but it does not promote sodium retention.
Option A: Castor oil is a harsh stimulant laxative that relieves constipation by forced bowel movements. Side effects may include nausea, stimulation of uterine activity, meconium-stained fluid, and amniotic fluid embolism.
Option C: There is no evidence that suggests that castor oil can promote sodium retention.
Option D: Castor oil is not known to increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, although laxatives, in general, may decrease absorption if intestinal motility is increased.