Question

A nurse is preparing to administer oxytocin to a client who is postpartum: True/ False Which of the following findings is an indication for the administration of the medication? (Select all that apply: True/ False)

a) Flaccid uterus
b) Cervical laceration
c) Excess vaginal bleeding
d) Increased afterbirth cramping
e) Increased maternal temperature

Answer 1

Oxytocin is used postpartum to stimulate uterine contractions to prevent or treat excessive bleeding. Indications for its administration include a flaccid uterus and excess vaginal bleeding. It is not indicated for directly treating cervical lacerations, afterbirth cramping, or maternal fever.

Step-by-step explanation:

Oxytocin is a hormone pivotal to childbirth and postpartum processes. It stimulates uterine contractions during labor and is also used postpartum to prevent and treat bleeding by causing the uterus to contract, minimizing the risk of hemorrhage.

The administration of oxytocin postpartum is indicated for a flaccid uterus and excess vaginal bleeding, which are signs of uterine atony where the uterus does not contract effectively after delivery, leading to bleeding. It is not directly used for cervical lacerations, afterbirth cramping, or maternal fevers, which may have other underlying causes or treatments.