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?

Question

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.

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
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.