Nokea
A nurse suspects that a client receiving an oxytocic drug is developing water intoxication based on assessment of which of the following?
- A. Tachypnea
- B. Wheezing
- C. Confusion
- D. Hypoglycemia
- E. Hypotension
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The nurse immediately reports any signs of water intoxication or fluid overload, which include drowsiness, confusion, headache, listlessness, wheezing, coughing, and tachypnea, to the physician.
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A nurse administering oxytocin (Pitocin) to a client should monitor the client for which of the following?
- A. Water intoxication
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Uterine rupture
- D. Headache
- E. Cardiac arrhythmias
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: A nurse should monitor a client receiving oxytocin (Pitocin) for the following adverse reactions: fetal bradycardia, uterine rupture, uterine hypertonicity, nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, and anaphylactic reactions. Serious water intoxication (fluid overload, fluid volume excess) may occur, particularly when the drug is administered by continuous infusion and the patient is receiving fluids by mouth.
A nurse is preparing to administer oxytocin (Pitocin) intravenously to a client based on the understanding that this drug is used for which of the following reasons?
- A. Gestational diabetes and a large fetus
- B. Rh problems
- C. Premature rupture of membranes
- D. Uterine inertia
- E. Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: A nurse may be asked to administer oxytocin (Pitocin) intravenously to a client with the following: gestational diabetes and a large fetus, Rh problems, premature rupture of membranes, uterine inertia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension.
A client is admitted for tocolytic therapy for preterm labor. The client states, 'I'm so afraid that I'm so early. Is my baby okay? What if the drug doesn't help?' Based on the client's statement, the nurse would identify which nursing diagnosis as the priority?
- A. Anxiety
- B. Risk for Injury
- C. Impaired Gas Exchange
- D. Excess Fluid Volume
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Based on the client's statements, the nurse would identify Anxiety as the priority nursing diagnosis because of the client's stated concern for her fetus and cessation of labor. Risk for Injury and Excess Fluid Volume would be more appropriate for a client receiving oxytocin. Impaired Gas Exchange would be appropriate if the client was experiencing adverse reactions related to the tocolytic.
A 32-year-old pregnant woman has been prescribed an IV infusion of oxytocin to induce labor. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement before starting the IV infusion of oxytocin for the client?
- A. Ask the client to drink plenty of water
- B. Obtain an obstetric and general health history
- C. Examine for signs of water intoxication
- D. Place the client in an upright position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before starting an IV infusion of oxytocin to induce labor, the nurse should obtain a complete obstetric history (e.g., parity, gravidity, previous obstetric problems, type of labor, stillbirths, abortions, live-birth infant abnormalities) and a general health history. Clients should not have water before labor, as the oxytocin may lead to water intoxication. The nurse should examine for any signs of water intoxication or fluid overload as a sign of an adverse reaction to the drug and need not assess this before administration of the medication. Placing the client in an upright position is advised when oxytocin is administered intranasally to facilitate the letdown of milk for breastfeeding.
A client receiving prescribed magnesium sulfate shows signs of dyspnea, tachycardia, and increased respiratory rate and rales. The nurse notices frothy sputum. Which of the following conditions should the nurse suspect?
- A. Pulmonary edema
- B. Water intoxication
- C. Renal failure
- D. Cardiac arrest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The client is most likely experiencing pulmonary edema. If there is an increase in respiratory rate of more than 20 respirations/min with the administration of magnesium sulfate, the nurse should assess the respiratory status for symptoms of pulmonary edema such as dyspnea, tachycardia, rales, and frothy sputum. In such cases, the primary health care provider is notified immediately because use of the drug may be discontinued or the dosage may be decreased. The danger of water intoxication is associated with oxytocin as it has an antidiuretic effect, and not with magnesium sulfate. Renal failure and cardiac arrest are not associated with magnesium sulfate.