A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxytocin injection intravenously for labor induction.The nurse should monitor this patient for which adverse effect of oxytocin?
Decrease in body temperature.
Maternal cardiac arrhythmias.
Urinary retention.
Insufficient relaxation of the uterus between contractions.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Insufficient relaxation of the uterus between contractions. This is also known as tachysystole or hyperstimulation, which can cause fetal distress and uterine rupture. Oxytocin is a hormone that stimulates uterine contractions, but it can also cause them to be too strong or too frequent if given in high doses or for too long.
Choice A is wrong because oxytocin does not decrease body temperature.
Choice B is wrong because oxytocin does not cause maternal cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C is wrong because oxytocin does not cause urinary retention.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This means that the uterus is constantly contracted and does not relax between contractions.This can cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall, which is called placental abruption or abruptio placentae.Placental abruption can deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients and cause heavy bleeding in the mother.
Choice B is wrong because strong uterine contractions every 3-4 minutes are normal during labor and do not indicate placental abruption.
Choice C is wrong because bile-colored vomitus is not a sign of placental abruption, but rather a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because fetal heart rate acceleration with fetal activity is a normal finding and indicates a healthy baby.Placental abruption can cause fetal distress and a decrease in fetal heart rate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because late fetal heart rate decelerations are a sign of uteroplacental insufficiency, which means that the placenta is not delivering enough oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.Oxytocin can cause uterine tachysystole, which is excessive and frequent contractions that reduce blood flow to the placenta.Therefore, stopping the oxytocin infusion can help improve placental perfusion and fetal oxygenation.
Choice A is wrong because documenting the findings is not a priority action in this situation.
The nurse should first intervene to address the cause of late decelerations and then document the actions and outcomes.
Choice C is wrong because raising the head of the patient’s bed 30 degrees does not directly affect the placental blood flow or fetal oxygenation.
It may help with maternal comfort and breathing, but it is not an essential action for late decelerations.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the health care provider is not the first action to take.The nurse should first attempt to correct the cause of late decelerations by pausing the oxytocin infusion and then notify the health care provider if there is no improvement or if there are other signs of fetal distress.
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