Stop the Pitocin first
Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is receiving an oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion to augment labor. Which finding requires the nurse to immediately stop the infusion?
Answer: B. Tachysystole, defined as more than five contractions in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes, or contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds, indicates uterine hyperstimulation. The nurse must stop the oxytocin to prevent fetal hypoxia and uterine rupture.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is administering oxytocin (Pitocin) to induce labor. Which finding requires the nurse to stop the infusion immediately?
Answer: B. Tachysystole, defined as more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes or contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds with inadequate uterine relaxation, can cause fetal hypoxia and uterine rupture, so the infusion must be stopped. Contractions every 3 minutes lasting 60 seconds, a reassuring fetal heart rate, and progressive dilation are all expected and desirable.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse administers carboprost tromethamine (Hemabate) to a client with uterine atony unresponsive to oxytocin. The nurse monitors for which common adverse effects of this medication?
Answer: A. Carboprost (a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog) commonly causes gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever, as well as bronchospasm; it is used cautiously or avoided in clients with asthma. It promotes uterine contraction. Constipation and bradycardia are not characteristic; the classic adverse effects to anticipate and pretreat are diarrhea and nausea.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer oxytocin (Pitocin) by IV infusion to a client with uterine atony after birth. Which is the expected therapeutic effect the nurse should monitor for?
Answer: A. Oxytocin promotes uterine contraction, producing a firm fundus and decreased vaginal bleeding, which is the desired effect for treating atony. It does not directly raise blood pressure (high-dose rapid infusion can cause hypotension), and it is not given to suppress lactation or relax the uterus. The nurse evaluates effectiveness by palpating a firm uterus and observing reduced lochia.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse administers oxytocin via IV infusion to a postpartum client for uterine atony. Which finding indicates the medication is having the desired effect?
Answer: A. Oxytocin promotes uterine contraction. The desired therapeutic effect is a firm, contracted fundus with decreased bleeding. Increased bleeding, a boggy fundus, or a rising heart rate would indicate the atony is not resolving.
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References
Clinical references for this topic
