Question

A nurse is assigned to care for a client with hypotonic uterine dysfunction and signs of a slowing labor. The nurse is reviewing the physician's orders and would expect to note which of the following prescribed treatments for this condition?

1.Medication that will provide sedation
2.Increased hydration
3.Oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion
4.Administration of a tocolytic medication

Answer 1

The nurse would expect to note a prescription for an Oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion for a client with hypotonic uterine dysfunction and signs of slowing labor, as it stimulates uterine contractions to aid in labor progression.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse is assigned to care for a client with hypotonic uterine dysfunction and signs of a slowing labor, they would expect to note a prescription for an Oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. This is because oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates the contractions necessary for labor. As labor progresses to the expulsion stage, Pitocin, a synthetic version of oxytocin, can be administered to enhance uterine contractility and promote cervical dilation when natural labor is not progressing effectively. Tocolytic medications, which are used to relax the uterus, would not be indicated in this scenario as they would counteract the labor process. Increased hydration may be beneficial for overall health and can sometimes help with mild contractions but would likely not be sufficient alone to address hypotonic uterine dysfunction. Sedation would not typically be indicated as a treatment to stimulate labor progress.