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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Maternal exhaustion is a maternal indication for the use of vacuum extraction. Vacuum extraction is a technique that can assist the mother in delivering the baby when she is unable to push effectively or when pushing poses a risk to her health. Vacuum extraction can shorten the second stage of labor and reduce maternal fatigue and distress. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vacuum extraction might be indicated if "the mother can't push anymore, either due to exhaustion or a health condition.".
Choice B reason:
Failure to progress past 0 station is not a maternal indication for the use of vacuum extraction. The station refers to the position of the baby's head in relation to the mother's pelvis. 0 station means that the baby's head is at the level of the pelvic inlet, or the narrowest part of the pelvis. Vacuum extraction is usually not performed before the baby reaches +2 station, which means that the head is 2 cm below the pelvic inlet and visible at the vaginal opening. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, vacuum extraction should not be attempted if "the fetal head is not engaged (above 0 station).".
Choice C reason:
A wide pelvic outlet is not a maternal indication for the use of vacuum extraction. The pelvic outlet is the lower part of the pelvis that forms the exit for the baby during delivery. A wide pelvic outlet means that there is more space for the baby to pass through, which can facilitate vaginal delivery and reduce the need for instrumental assistance. Vacuum extraction is more likely to be indicated when there is a narrow pelvic outlet, which can obstruct labor and cause fetal distress.
Choice D reason:
A history of rapid deliveries is not a maternal indication for the use of vacuum extraction. Rapid deliveries, also known as precipitous deliveries, are those that occur within 3 hours of the onset of labor. Rapid deliveries can pose risks to both the mother and the baby, such as excessive bleeding, umbilical cord prolapse, or birth trauma. However, vacuum extraction is not usually indicated in these cases, as it requires time and preparation to apply the device and monitor its effects. Vacuum extraction is more likely to be indicated when labor is prolonged or stalled in the second stage, and when there is a nonreassuring fetal heart rate.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Assist the client to turn onto her side. This is the correct answer because turning the client onto her side can improve blood flow to the placenta and increase fetal oxygenation. Hypotension is a common cause of decreased uteroplacental perfusion, which can lead to fetal distress and late decelerations on the fetal monitor. The nurse should also administer oxygen, increase IV fluids, and notify the provider. • Choice B reason:
Prepare for an immediate vaginal delivery. This is not the correct answer because there is no indication that the client is ready for delivery. The client has 6 cm of cervical dilation, which means she is still in the active phase of labor. The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and ends with delivery of the baby. Preparing for an immediate vaginal delivery would not address the cause of hypotension or improve fetal oxygenation. • Choice C reason:
Prepare for a cesarean birth. This is not the correct answer because there is no indication that the client needs a cesarean birth. A cesarean birth may be indicated if there are signs of fetal compromise, such as severe variable or late decelerations, or maternal complications, such as placenta previa or cord prolapse. However, these conditions are not present in this scenario. Preparing for a cesarean birth would not address the cause of hypotension or improve fetal oxygenation. • Choice D reason:
Assist the client to an upright position. This is not the correct answer because placing the client in an upright position can worsen hypotension and decrease uteroplacental perfusion. An upright position can increase pressure on the inferior vena cava and reduce venous return to the heart. This can lower cardiac output.
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