Nokea
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?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prolonged contractions lasting more than 90-120 seconds may reduce placental perfusion and oxygenation to the fetus, leading to fetal distress. This can result in fetal hypoxia and compromise. Therefore, if the contraction duration reaches 100 seconds, it is an indication for the nurse to discontinue the oxytocin infusion to prevent harm to the fetus. Monitoring for appropriate contraction duration is crucial to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus during labor. While contraction frequency every 3 minutes, a fetal heart rate with moderate variability, and a fetal heart rate of 118/min can be normal findings during labor, a prolonged contraction duration is a concerning sign that requires immediate intervention.