A client has been admitted to the labor and delivery suite for induction of labor for post-term pregnancy. Misoprostol (Cytotec) has been inserted. Which of the following findings would warrant stopping the Cytotec treatment?

A. Diuresis. Increased urine output is a positive sign in a postpartum woman with preeclampsia, indicating that fluid shifts are occurring and the kidneys are functioning well. Magnesium sulfate does not cause fluid retention, and diuresis is not a major concern at this time.

B. Hypotension. While magnesium sulfate can cause vasodilation, leading to a mild decrease in blood pressure, severe hypotension is not the primary concern. The main hemodynamic concern postpartum is ensuring adequate uterine tone and preventing hemorrhage.

C. Increased risk for seizures. Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent eclampsia-related seizures, and its continued administration postpartum helps reduce seizure risk. The risk of seizures decreases after delivery, but stopping the infusion too early could increase the risk, making this a secondary rather than primary concern.

D. Excessive uterine bleeding. Magnesium sulfate relaxes smooth muscle, including the uterus, which can lead to uterine atony and increased postpartum hemorrhage risk. This is a critical concern in the immediate postpartum period, as uterine atony can result in life-threatening blood loss requiring urgent intervention.

A. Contraction frequency of 1 minute. Misoprostol (Cytotec) is used for cervical ripening, but excessive uterine contractions (tachysystole), defined as more than five contractions in 10 minutes, can lead to fetal distress and uterine rupture. If contractions are occurring every minute, this indicates hyperstimulation, requiring immediate discontinuation of the medication and possible intervention with tocolytics to relax the uterus.

B. Cervix is 50% effaced. Cervical effacement is a normal part of labor progression and does not indicate a need to stop Cytotec treatment. Misoprostol is intended to help soften and ripen the cervix, and 50% effacement suggests the cervix is responding appropriately.

C. Maternal respiratory rate of 24. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is within the upper normal range for pregnancy due to increased metabolic demands. It does not indicate an adverse reaction to misoprostol or warrant discontinuation of treatment.

D. Fetal heart baseline of 150. A fetal heart rate of 150 beats per minute is within the normal range of 110-160 bpm and does not indicate fetal distress. There is no reason to stop Cytotec based on this finding.