Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing Related

Review Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxytocin to augment labor. The client has an intrauterine pressure catheter and an internal fetal scalp electrode for monitoring. Which of the following is an indication that the nurse should discontinue the infusion?

  • A. Contraction frequency every 3 min
  • B. Contraction duration of 100 seconds
  • C. Fetal heart rate with moderate variability
  • D. Fetal heart rate of 118/min
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Contractions lasting longer than 90 seconds (tachysystole) can lead to fetal distress by reducing uteroplacental blood flow. Oxytocin should be discontinued if contractions become excessive. Moderate variability and normal fetal heart rate do not indicate distress.