Question

A nurse is caring for a client in labor who is receiving Pitocin by IV infusion to stimulate uterine contractions. Which assessment finding would indicate to the nurse that the infusion needs to be discontinued?

1.Three contractions occurring within a 10-minute period
2.A fetal heart rate of 90 beats per minute
3.Adequate resting tone of the uterus palpated between contractions
4.Increased urinary output

Answer 1

The Pitocin infusion needs to be discontinued when there is a fetal heart rate of 90 beats per minute, indicating fetal distress and the risk of serious complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding that would indicate to the nurse that the Pitocin infusion needs to be discontinued is a fetal heart rate of 90 beats per minute. Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin, is administered to stimulate uterine contractions and facilitate labor. However, close monitoring is required as it can lead to several complications, including fetal distress. Fetal distress can be evident through abnormal fetal heart rate patterns, such as a sustained fetal heart rate fewer than 100 beats per minute which is indicative of fetal bradycardia and requires immediate medical attention. The therapeutic goal of Pitocin administration is to achieve adequate labor progression while maintaining the safety of both the mother and the fetus. In the case of an abnormal fetal heart rate like 90 beats per minute, the Pitocin infusion would be discontinued to alleviate stress on the fetus and prevent further complications.