NCLEX RN Practice Questions Maternity Related

Review NCLEX RN Practice Questions Maternity related questions and content

A primigravida is admitted to the labor area with ruptured membranes and contractions occurring every 2 to 3 minutes, lasting 45 seconds. After 3 hours of labor, the client's contractions are now every 7 to 10 minutes, lasting 30 seconds. The nurse administers oxytocin (Pitocin) as ordered. The expected outcome of this drug is:

  • A. The cervix will begin to dilate 2 centimeters per hour.
  • B. Contractions will occur every 2 to 3 minutes, lasting 40 to 60 seconds, moderate intensity, resting tone between contractions.
  • C. The cervix will change from firm to soft, efface to 40% to 50%, and move from a posterior to anterior position.
  • D. Contractions will be every 2 minutes, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, with intrauterine pressure of 70 mm Hg.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Oxytocin is used to augment labor by increasing contraction frequency, duration, and intensity. The expected outcome is regular contractions every 2–3 minutes, lasting 40–60 seconds, with moderate intensity and adequate resting tone, promoting effective labor progression. The other options describe unrealistic or unrelated effects.