Question

A nurse is beginning to care for a client in labor. The physician has prescribed an IV infusion of Pitocin. The nurse ensures that which of the following is implemented before initiating the infusion?

1.Placing the client on complete bed rest
2.Continuous electronic fetal monitoring
3.An IV infusion of antibiotics
4.Placing a code cart at the client's bedside

Answer 1

Before starting a Pitocin infusion, a nurse must ensure continuous electronic fetal monitoring is in place to safely observe the baby's response to induced contractions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before initiating an IV infusion of Pitocin, a nurse must ensure the implementation of continuous electronic fetal monitoring.

This is crucial as Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, is administered to induce or augment labor by increasing the frequency and strength of uterine contractions.

Continuous electronic fetal monitoring is necessary to observe the baby's heart rate in response to contractions, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and child during labor induction.

Prophylactic antibiotics, complete bed rest, or placing a code cart at the client's bedside are not standard preliminary steps specifically for Pitocin infusion.