Question

Thirty minutes following initiation of oxytocin infusion a client's contractions are lasting 95 seconds and coming one minute apart. Late decelerations are observed on the fetal monitor. What is the correct intervention?

Answer 1

The correct intervention when observing late decelerations and over-frequent contractions during labor with oxytocin is to decrease or discontinue oxytocin, reposition the mother, provide her with oxygen, and increase IV fluids to combat potential fetal hypoxia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When late decelerations are observed in fetal monitoring during labor, immediate intervention is required because they can indicate fetal hypoxia due to insufficient oxygen. The correct intervention following late decelerations and contraction patterns lasting 95 seconds and occurring one minute apart after the initiation of an oxytocin infusion, would be to first decrease or discontinue the oxytocin infusion. This would reduce the frequency and intensity of contractions, allowing more time for the fetus to receive oxygenated blood between contractions. The healthcare provider should also reposition the mother to her left side to enhance uteroplacental blood flow, administer oxygen to the mother, and increase her IV fluids to improve fetal oxygenation. The clinical team may need to conduct further assessments and prepare for immediate delivery if these measures do not alleviate the signs of fetal distress.