New Zealand Pharmacology for Midwifery Students Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Pethidine, also known as meperidine, is an opioid analgesic often used for pain relief during labor. One of the major concerns associated with its use is the potential for long half-life metabolites, particularly norpethidine, which can accumulate in the body, especially in cases of repeated dosing or when renal function is impaired. Norpethidine can lead to central nervous system excitability and has been associated with seizures. This highlights the importance of monitoring dosage and considering the implications of metabolic byproducts when administering this medication.

The other options do not accurately reflect major side effects associated with pethidine. For instance, while pethidine can impact fetal heart rate, it is not primarily known for causing increased heart rates as a major side effect; rather, fetal monitoring is essential during its administration. True allergic reactions can occur with many medications, including pethidine, but they are not a common or major side effect, making them less relevant in this context. Promoting milk production is not a recognized side effect of pethidine, as opioids can often cause sedation rather than enhance lactation. Thus, the potential for long half-life metabolites leading to seizures stands out as a significant risk associated with pethidine usage.