Question

The nurse recognizes that uterine hyperstimulation with oxytocin requires emergency interventions. What clinical cues would alert the nurse that the woman is experiencing uterine hyperstimulation? Choose all that apply.

A) Uterine contractions lasting <90 seconds and occurring >2 minutes in frequency
B) Uterine contractions lasting >90 seconds and occurring <2 minutes in frequency
C) Uterine resting tone >20 mm Hg
D) Uterine resting tone <20 mm Hg
E) Increased uterine activity accompanied by a nonreassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern

Answer 1

Uterine hyperstimulation with oxytocin can be identified if contractions last more than 90 seconds and occur less than 2 minutes apart, if resting uterine tone is above 20 mm Hg, or if there is increased uterine activity with nonreassuring FHR patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clinical cues that would alert the nurse that a woman is experiencing uterine hyperstimulation with oxytocin include:

• B) Uterine contractions lasting >90 seconds and occurring <2 minutes in frequency
• C) Uterine resting tone >20 mm Hg
• E) Increased uterine activity accompanied by a nonreassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern

Uterine hyperstimulation occurs when the uterus contracts too frequently or with too much intensity, potentially leading to fetal distress or other complications. Interventions to manage hyperstimulation typically involve reducing or discontinuing the oxytocin infusion and taking steps to improve fetal oxygenation.