Question

The nurse is caring for a woman in labor at 39 weeks and 5 days of gestation. Her labor progress has slowed due to poor contractions. After discussion with the provider, a decision has been made that she is a good candidate for

a. Amniotomy
b. Cesarean section
c. Vacuum extraction
d. Augmentation of labor

Answer 1

Augmentation of labor with Pitocin is likely the chosen intervention for the woman with poor contractions and slow labor progress to avoid a Cesarean section.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse and provider have decided to augment the woman's labor due to poor contractions and slow progress. This is done in an attempt to progress labor and prevent the need for a Cesarean section, which is a major abdominal surgery with potential complications. Augmentation of labor can involve techniques such as administering synthetic oxytocin known as Pitocin, which is used to restart and maintain labor, especially when labor has stopped before the second stage is reached. The goal is to achieve the necessary cervical dilation of about 10 cm, allowing for the expulsion of the baby during stage two of labor.

In the scenario given, an IV infusion of Pitocin is started, as mentioned with Janine's example, which suggests that augmentation of labor is the likely intervention in this case. This is because Janine experienced mild contractions and slow dilation progress, similar to the woman currently in labor.