Final answer:
Janine is given an IV infusion of pitocin to augment labor because she is post-term and experiencing ineffective contractions with minimal cervical dilation. The goal is to enhance contractions and progress labor to avoid uteroplacental insufficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Janine, at 41 weeks pregnant, is experiencing prolonged labor. The use of IV infusion of pitocin is initiated to augment labor because she is past her due date, and despite feeling in labor for days, her cervical dilation is minimal. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, which naturally occurs in the body and is responsible for stimulating uterine contractions. In Janine's case, it is administered to enhance the contractions and progress labor to avoid potential risks associated with post-term pregnancy, such as uteroplacental insufficiency.
As for Janine's presentation, it suggests the onset of labor, but with only 2 cm of cervical dilation and contractions that are not sufficiently strong or frequent, medical intervention to expedite delivery is prudent. This is especially true given that the pregnancy is post-term, which increases potential risks to both mother and child, such as uteroplacental insufficiency, which can lead to inadequate blood flow and oxygen to the fetus.