Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A patient who is having induction of labor with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV lineA nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient who is having induction of labor with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV line. Uterine contractions occur every 2 minutes, last 90 seconds, and are strong to palpation. The baseline fetal heart rate is 150/minute, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction and a return to baseline after the contraction is over. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Discontinuing oxytocin stops uterine hyperstimulation, indicated by frequent, prolonged contractions and late decelerations, to prevent fetal hypoxia. Increasing oxytocin worsens distress, IV fluid rate doesn't address the issue, and breathing rate is unrelated.