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An LPN is assisting the RN with a laboring client receiving oxytocin. What is the priority nursing intervention for the LPN?

a) Monitor fetal heart rate
b) Administer pain medication
c) Encourage the client to push
d) Assess maternal blood pressure

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The priority intervention for an LPN assisting with oxytocin administration during labor is to monitor the fetal heart rate due to the potential risks of uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing intervention for an LPN assisting an RN with a laboring client receiving oxytocin would be a) Monitor fetal heart rate. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a critical role in labor by stimulating uterine contractions. It is important to closely monitor the fetal heart rate because oxytocin can potentially lead to hyperstimulation of the uterus, which can jeopardize the fetus's oxygen supply. Changes in the fetal heart rate can be an early sign of distress and may necessitate modification of the oxytocin dose or additional interventions. Neither administering pain medication, encouraging the client to push, nor assessing maternal blood pressure is the immediate priority when compared to monitoring the wellbeing of the fetus during oxytocin administration.

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