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The nurse notes that a woman's contractions during oxytocin induction labor are every 2 minutes; the contractions last 95 seconds, and the uterus remains tense between contractions. What action is expected based on these assessments?

1. No action is expected; the contractions are normal.
2. The rate of oxytocin administration will be increased slightly.
3. Pain medication or an epidural block will be offered.
4. Infusion of oxytocin will be stopped.

User BRsmover
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Final answer:

2. The rate of oxytocin administration will be increased slightly. The expected action based on the woman's contraction pattern during oxytocin-induced labor is to stop the infusion of oxytocin to prevent uterine hyperstimulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the assessment that a woman's contractions during oxytocin-induced labor are occurring every 2 minutes, lasting 95 seconds, and that the uterus remains tense between contractions, the expected action would be to stop the infusion of oxytocin. This is because during true labor, contractions typically occur less frequently and for a shorter duration, and there should not be a persistent tension between contractions. By the end of the first stage of labor, contractions may occur every 1.5-2 minutes and last up to a minute. However, contractions that last longer and with such short intervals, coupled with sustained uterine tension, suggest the risk of uterine hyperstimulation, which can endanger both the mother and the baby. Therefore, the appropriate action is to stop the oxytocin to allow the uterus to relax.

Based on the assessments provided, action is expected in the form of increasing the rate of oxytocin administration slightly. The contractions occurring every 2 minutes indicate that the labor is progressing quickly. Typically, during the later stages of labor, contractions occur as frequently as every 1.5-2 minutes and last for a full minute. The uterus remaining tense between contractions suggests that the administration of oxytocin should be increased slightly to maintain the progress of labor.

User Hooting
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