The nurse is caring for a client whose labor is being augmented ...

[ereecah]

The nurse is caring for a client whose labor is being augmented with oxytocin. He or she recognizes that the oxytocin should be discontinued immediately if there is evidence of:
 
  a. Uterine contractions occurring every 8 to 10 minutes.
  b. A fetal heart rate (FHR) of 180 with absence of variability.
  c. The client's needing to void.
  d. Rupture of the client's amniotic membranes.

Question 2

A pregnant woman at 29 weeks of gestation has been diagnosed with preterm labor. Her labor is being controlled with tocolytic medications. She asks when she would be able to go home. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
 
  a. After the baby is born.
  b. When we can stabilize your preterm labor and arrange home health visits.
  c. Whenever the doctor says that it is okay.
  d. It depends on what kind of insurance coverage you have.

[frankwu0507]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
This FHR is nonreassuring. The oxytocin should be discontinued immediately, and the physician should be notified. The oxytocin should be discontinued if uterine hyperstimulation occurs. Uterine contractions that are occurring every 8 to 10 minutes do not qualify as hyperstimulation. The client's needing to void is not an indication to discontinue the oxytocin induction immediately or to call the physician. Unless a change occurs in the FHR pattern that is nonreassuring or the client experiences uterine hyperstimulation, the oxytocin does not need to be discontinued. The physician should be notified that the client's membranes have ruptured.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The client's preterm labor is being controlled with tocolytics. Once she is stable, home care may be a viable option for this type of client. Care of a woman with preterm labor is multifactorial; the goal is to prevent delivery. In many cases this may be achieved at home. Care of the preterm client is multidisciplinary and multifactorial. Managed care may dictate earlier hospital discharges or a shift from hospital to home care. Insurance coverage may be one factor in the care of clients, but ultimately client safety remains the most important factor.

[ereecah]

Excellent

[Zebsrer]

TYSM