Final answer:
Janine receives an IV infusion of pitocin to enhance her protracted labor by inducing stronger contractions, leading to cervical dilation. The transition from fetal to neonatal circulation occurs when the newborn takes their first breath, redirecting blood flow to the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient, such as Janine who is 41 weeks pregnant, presents with prolonged labor and minimal cervical dilation, medical intervention may be necessary. Janine is likely experiencing protracted labor, and the administration of an IV infusion of pitocin is initiated to enhance uterine contractions and facilitate labor progress. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone that induces and strengthens labor contractions, which is essential for cervical dilation and advancing labor.
Neonatal circulation changes significantly with the newborn's first breath. Before birth, the baby's circulation bypasses the lungs through fetal shunts, as the lungs are not in use. When the newborn takes their first breath, these shunts begin to close, and blood is directed to the lungs for oxygen exchange, effectively altering the circulatory pattern to resemble that of an adult.