Key Concepts
Introduction
Prostaglandins (PGs) are lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid that play central roles in reproductive physiology. In labor induction, two prostaglandin products are used: 1. Dinoprostone (PGE2) โ Cervidil (vaginal insert), Prepidil (intracervical gel), Prostin E2 (vaginal suppository for second trimester) 2. Misoprostol (PGE1 analog) โ Cytotec; oral or intravaginal use for cervical ripening, induction, and postpartum hemorrhage The cervix undergoes a process called "ripening" in preparation for labor โ it softens, effaces, and dilates. In patients with an unripe cervix (high Bishop score needed for favorable outcome), prostaglandins accelerate this process. Bishop Score: A cervical assessment scoring system (0โ13); scores <6 indicate an unfavorable cervix likely to benefit from ripening agents. On the exam, writers often pair stable-sounding options with unstable dataโnotice the mismatch before you commit. If the stem names a license or role, reread that line; scope errors are classic trap answers even when the clinical topic is familiar. Run a 60-second scan: breathing work and oxygenation, perfusion and end organs, neuro baseline, likely infection sources, and devices that can fail quietly. When two answers feel partly...