Question

For which patient should the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion be discontinued immediately?

a. A woman in active labor with contractions every 31 minutes lasting 60 seconds each
b. A woman in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each
c. A woman in active labor with contractions every 2 to 3 minutes lasting 70 to 80 seconds each
d. A woman in early labor with contractions every 5 minutes lasting 40 seconds each

Answer 1

The oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion should be stopped immediately for a woman in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each, as this may indicate excessive uterine activity and could compromise the safety of both mother and child.

Step-by-step explanation:

The oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion should be discontinued immediately for the woman described in option (b), a woman in transition with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds each. During the normal course of labor, particularly in the transition phase, contractions generally happen more frequently and with greater intensity. However, contractions that are as close together as every 2 minutes and lasting as long as 90 seconds each could indicate excessive uterine activity, which might lead to complications such as uterine rupture or fetal distress. The goal of administering Pitocin is to mimic the natural contraction pattern seen in true labor, leading to cervical dilation and effacement, and ultimately to the delivery of the baby and placenta. Hence, a balance is required to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby. Given that the contractions are too close together and unusually long, risking potential harm, the Pitocin infusion should be stopped to evaluate the condition of both the woman and the fetus.