Final answer:
To progress labor that is not advancing effectively, an IV infusion of pitocin is started for Janine, a 41-week pregnant woman with minimal cervical dilation. Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, stimulates uterine contractions to help dilate and efface the cervix for childbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Janine is 41 weeks pregnant and believes she has been in labor for several days; however, her labor is not progressing as her cervix is only 2 cm dilated. To assist in progressing the labor, an IV infusion of pitocin is started. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, the hormone that increases during labor to stimulate uterine contractions. The introduction of pitocin is used to augment or induce labor, helping the cervix to dilate and efface, which is necessary for the baby to be expelled during birth.
True labor is characterized by contractions that increase in frequency and intensity, accompanied by a dilation of the cervix. If labor stalls before reaching the active phase, pitocin may be administered to restart and maintain labor. This helps ensure that the labor progresses toward the stage of expulsion, where the baby is expelled from the uterus.
The use of pitocin can help shorten the length of labor, particularly in prolonged cases where labor is overdue or not progressing effectively. Its administration can be a crucial intervention to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and the child.