The priority nursing care associated with an oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion is:
Measuring urinary output.
Evaluating cervical dilation.
Increasing infusion rate every 30 minutes.
Monitoring uterine response.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Measuring urinary output. This is not the priority nursing care associated with an oxytocin infusion, because urinary output is not directly affected by oxytocin. Urinary output may be affected by other factors, such as fluid intake, dehydration, or kidney function, but these are not related to oxytocin administration. • Choice B reason:
Evaluating cervical dilation. This is also not the priority nursing care associated with an oxytocin infusion, because cervical dilation is a result of uterine contractions, not oxytocin itself. Oxytocin is used to stimulate or augment uterine contractions, but it does not cause cervical dilation directly. Cervical dilation is important to monitor during labor, but it is not the main focus of oxytocin infusion. • Choice C reason:
Increasing infusion rate every 30 minutes. This is not the priority nursing care associated with an oxytocin infusion, because increasing the infusion rate every 30 minutes is not a standard protocol for oxytocin administration. The infusion rate should be adjusted according to the patient's response and the provider's orders, but not arbitrarily or routinely. Increasing the infusion rate too quickly or too often can cause hyperstimulation of the uterus, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus.
• Choice D reason:
Monitoring uterine response. This is the correct answer and the priority nursing care associated with an oxytocin infusion, because oxytocin can cause excessive or prolonged uterine contractions, which can lead to fetal distress, uterine rupture, or placental abruption. Therefore, the nurse must monitor the frequency, duration, and intensity of uterine contractions, as well as the fetal heart rate and blood pressure, to ensure that oxytocin is having the desired effect and not causing any adverse outcomes.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Occasional uterine cramping when the infant nurses is a normal phenomenon that occurs as the uterus contracts and returns to its pre-pregnancy size. This is not a sign of infection or complication and does not need to be reported.
Choice B reason:
Descent of the fundus one fingerbreadth each day is also a normal finding that indicates the uterus is involuting properly. The fundus is the top of the uterus that can be felt through the abdomen. It should be at the level of the umbilicus immediately after delivery and then descend about one fingerbreadth (or 1 cm) each day until it reaches the pelvic brim by 10 days postpartum.
Choice C reason:
Reappearance of red lochia after it changes to serous is an abnormal sign that may indicate uterine atony, subinvolution, or retained placental fragments. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and tissue. It usually changes from red to pink to brown to yellow-white over a period of several weeks. If it becomes red again, it may mean that there is bleeding from the uterus or infection in the endometrium. This should be reported to a health care provider as soon as possible.
Choice D reason:
Oral temperature that is 37.2 C (99 F) in the morning is within the normal range and does not indicate fever or infection. A slight elevation in temperature may occur due to dehydration, breast engorgement, or hormonal changes. This does not need to be reported unless it exceeds 38 C (100.4 F) or persists for more than 24 hours.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Assisting the client on a bedpan to urinate is important for assessing urinary output and preventing bladder distension. However, in this situation, the priority is to assess and manage postpartum hemorrhage, which is indicated by the excessive bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the client's fluid intake is generally a good measure for promoting hydration and maintaining blood volume. However, it is not the priority in this scenario of excessive postpartum bleeding.
Choice C reason:
Palpating the client's uterine fundus is the priority nursing intervention at this time. The excessive bleeding indicated by saturating two perineal pads in a 30-minute period suggests postpartum hemorrhage, which can result from uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract adequately after childbirth). Palpating the fundus allows the nurse to assess if the uterus is firm or boggy, and if it is not contracting properly, immediate interventions can be initiated to control the bleeding.
Choice D reason:
Preparing to administer oxytocic medication (such as oxytocin) can help stimulate uterine contractions and prevent or manage postpartum hemorrhage. However, the priority is to first assess the uterine fundus and confirm the cause of the excessive bleeding before administering any medication.
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