North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

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Which compound is the active ingredient in most spermicidal preparations?

Monoamide-9
Nonoxynol-9
Sodium dodecyl sulfate
Polyethylene glycol

The correct answer is: Nonoxynol-9

Nonoxynol-9 is the active ingredient found in most spermicidal preparations, known for its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. It operates by immobilizing and killing sperm before they can reach an egg, thereby serving as a barrier method of contraception. This compound is a surfactant that disrupts the sperm cell membrane, rendering the sperm unable to fertilize an ovum. Nonoxynol-9 has been widely used due to its efficacy and is commonly found in various contraceptive products such as creams, gels, and foams. The ability of Nonoxynol-9 to provide immediate contraceptive action makes it a popular choice among users seeking to prevent pregnancy. In contrast, the other options listed do not have the same widespread application or effectiveness in spermicide preparations. For instance, Monoamide-9 and Sodium dodecyl sulfate are not commonly used as spermicidal agents, and while Polyethylene glycol has various applications in pharmaceutical formulations, it is not the active component in contraceptive spermicidal products.