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The nurse is reviewing the use of obstetric drugs. Which situation is an indication for an oxytocin (pitocin) infusion?

a) termination of a pregnancy at 12 weeks
b) hypertonic uterus
c) cervical sternosis in a patient who is in labor
d) induction of labor at full term

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The indication for an oxytocin (pitocin) infusion is the induction of labor at full term. Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions for childbirth, and Pitocin is the synthetic form used to induce or augment labor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is reviewing the use of obstetric drugs and their indications. The situation that is an indication for an oxytocin (pitocin) infusion is induction of labor at full term. Oxytocin is an endocrine hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions necessary for childbirth.

When labor needs to be induced because it is not progressing naturally, synthetic oxytocin known as Pitocin is administered via intravenous drip to stimulate these contractions. This can help to initiate or augment labor and facilitate the birth process.

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