Question

A women's labor is being augmented with Pitocin IV. Contractions have been 2 to 3 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds, and moderately firm. When palpating a patient's abdomen, the nurse identify as a firm contraction lasting 2 1/2 minutes. The nurse:

a. Turns off the Pitocin IV
b. Increases the Pitocin IV
c. Encourages the patient to void
d. Encourages deep breathing exercises

Answer 1

The nurse should turn off the Pitocin IV when firm contractions last longer than usual.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse palpates a patient's abdomen and identifies a firm contraction lasting 2 1/2 minutes, it indicates that the contractions are lasting longer than usual and may be too intense. In this case, the nurse should turn off the Pitocin IV, as it is likely causing overly strong contractions.