A nurse is caring for a woman who has an order for a high-dose ...

[strangeaffliction]

A nurse is caring for a woman who has an order for a high-dose oxytocin (Pitocin) regimen to stimulate uterine contractions. Which of the following actions are appropriate for the nurse to take? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A.
  Assess frequently for uterine tachysystole.
  B.
  Increase the infusion every 30 minutes as needed.
  C.
  Place to woman prone to prevent dizziness.
  D.
  Start the infusion at 2 mU/minute.
  E.
  Use an electronic infusion device.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a woman who is undergoing an induction with oxytocin (Pitocin). The nurse explains to a nursing student that contraindications to labor induction include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A.
  Active genital herpes infection
  B.
  Breech presentation
  C.
  History of a myomectomy
  D.
  Severe hypertension
  E.
  Vasa previa or complete placenta previa

[Ksh22]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, E
Oxytocin must be administered safely. The high-dose regimen begins with 4 mU/minute and is increased by the same amount every 30 minutes as needed. Uterine tachysystole can occur and the nurse must assess carefully for the development of this situation. The woman is placed sitting upright or in a side-lying position. Oxytocin should always be infused via an electronic infusion device.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C, E
Absolute contraindications for induction of labor include vasa previa or complete placenta previa, transverse fetal lie, umbilical cord prolapse, previous classical cesarean delivery, active genital herpes infection, and previous myomectomy. Breech presentation and severe hypertension are relative contraindications, meaning that induction is possible, but caution should be exercised.