Final answer:
When administering oxytocin (Pitocin) to a patient, nursing considerations include monitoring for signs of uterine rupture, administering additional oxytocin if contractions are weak, encouraging the patient to ambulate, and discontinuing oxytocin if contractions are too strong.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. It is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical compound called Pitocin. When administering oxytocin to a patient, there are several nursing considerations to keep in mind:
- Monitor for signs of uterine rupture: Oxytocin can cause vigorous contractions which may lead to uterine rupture in some cases. It is important to closely monitor the patient for any signs of uterine rupture, such as severe abdominal pain or abnormal bleeding.
- Administer additional oxytocin if contractions are weak: If the contractions are not strong enough, additional oxytocin may be administered to stimulate stronger contractions and facilitate labor progress.
- Encourage the patient to ambulate during oxytocin administration: Walking or changing positions can help with the progress of labor and the effectiveness of oxytocin. Encouraging the patient to ambulate can also provide pain relief and promote comfort.
- Discontinue oxytocin if contractions are too strong: In some cases, oxytocin can cause contractions that are too strong or frequent, which may be detrimental to the mother and baby. If contractions become too intense, it may be necessary to discontinue the administration of oxytocin.