More questions on this topic
More questions on this topic ( 29 Questions)
A multigravida at 41-weeks gestation is receiving an oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion for induction of labor.
The nurse notes the fetal heart rate (FHR) drops sharply from the baseline for 30 seconds during the peak of a contraction and then returns to the baseline before the end of the contraction.
What action should the nurse implement at this time?
Administering oxygen via facemask may not be enough to reverse fetal hypoxia if oxytocin is still being infused.
Placing the client on her left side may improve maternal blood flow to the placenta, but it will not reduce the effects of oxytocin on uterine activity.
Discontinue the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. This is because the fetal heart rate (FHR) drops sharply from the baseline for 30 seconds during the peak of a contraction and then returns to the baseline before the end of the contraction indicate a late deceleration, which is a sign of fetal hypoxia. Oxytocin is a drug that stimulates uterine contractions and can cause uterine hyperstimulation, which reduces blood flow to the placenta and the fetus. By stopping the oxytocin infusion, the nurse can reduce the frequency and intensity of contractions and improve fetal oxygenation.
Notifying the healthcare provider is not the most urgent action at this time. The nurse should first discontinue the oxytocin infusion and then notify the healthcare provider. Normal ranges for FHR are 110 to 160 beats per minute, with a baseline variability of 6 to 25 beats per minute. Normal ranges for uterine contractions are 2 to 5 contractions in 10 minutes, lasting
Discontinue the oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion. This is because the fetal heart rate (FHR) drops sharply from the baseline for 30 seconds during the peak of a contraction and then returns to the baseline before the end of the contraction indicate a late deceleration, which is a sign of fetal hypoxia. Oxytocin is a drug that stimulates uterine contractions and can cause uterine hyperstimulation, which reduces blood flow to the placenta and the fetus. By stopping the oxytocin infusion, the nurse can reduce the frequency and intensity of contractions and improve fetal oxygenation.
Choice A is wrong because administering oxygen via facemask may not be enough to reverse fetal hypoxia if oxytocin is still being infused. Choice B is wrong because placing the client on her left side may improve maternal blood flow to the placenta, but it will not reduce the effects of oxytocin on uterine activity.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the healthcare provider is not the most urgent action at this time. The nurse should first discontinue the oxytocin infusion and then notify the healthcare provider.
Normal ranges for FHR are 110 to 160 beats per minute, with a baseline variability of 6 to 25 beats per minute.
Normal ranges for uterine contractions are 2 to 5 contractions in 10 minutes, lasting