A 30-year-old pregnant woman presents to the emergency room with severe abdominal cramping and moderate uterine bleeding; she is at approximately 8 weeks of gestation. Because oxytocin administration was ineffective to control the bleeding, ergot alkaloids were administered. Which of the following is correct concerning the use of ergot alkaloids in spontaneous abortion?
A. Oral administration of ergot alkaloids is the most effective means for providing immediate relief.
B. Ergot alkaloids are used to treat oxytocin toxicity.
C. Ergot alkaloids commonly cause maternal hypotension.
D. Large doses of ergot alkaloids act to reduce bleeding by causing sustained contraction of the uterus.
E. PGs are more effective than ergot alkaloids for the management of severe uterine bleeding.
