Question

After delivery of the infant and placenta, the nurse adds 20 units of oxytocin to the intravenous solution. The nurse understands that the purpose of this medication is to help:

a) Prevent infection
b) Control postpartum bleeding
c) Induce labor
d) Relieve pain

Answer 1

The primary purpose of administering 20 units of oxytocin after delivering the infant and placenta is to control postpartum bleeding by causing the uterus to contract and reduce blood vessel bleeding at the placental attachment site.

Step-by-step explanation:

After delivery of the infant and placenta, the nurse adds 20 units of oxytocin to the intravenous solution primarily to help control postpartum bleeding. Oxytocin, an endocrine hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, plays a crucial role during childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions. After the delivery, continued secretion of oxytocin helps the uterine muscles to contract and clamp down on the blood vessels where the placenta is attached, thus preventing excessive bleeding and facilitating the process of uterine involution (return to the pre-pregnancy size).