Question

The nurse provides care for a client receiving an oxytocin infusion to induce labor. The nurse stops the infusion if which occurs?

A. The client reports increased intensity of contractions.
B. The client experiences cervical dilation of 5 cm.
C. The fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern indicates late decelerations.
D. The client requests pain medication for contractions

Answer 1

The oxytocin infusion for induction of labor should be stopped if there are late decelerations in the fetal heart rate, indicating possible fetal distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should stop the oxytocin infusion if the fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern indicates late decelerations(C). This sign could indicate fetal distress and a lack of oxygen to the fetus, which is a serious complication. Oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates the contractions of labor, is essential for inducing and maintaining labor when pregnancy is not progressing naturally. When administered as a pharmaceutical version called pitocin, it is vital to monitor both maternal and fetal wellbeing because of the increased strength and frequency of uterine contractions that it causes. While an increase in contraction intensity (A) and cervical dilation of 5 cm (B) are expected outcomes during induction, and a request for pain medication (D) is a personal comfort choice, the presence of late decelerations in FHR requires immediate medical intervention and cessation of the oxytocin infusion.