A client is given oxytocin for induction of labor. The side effect of oxytocin is?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2016

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

Nausea and vomiting are known gastrointestinal side effects that can occur in a client receiving oxytocin for labor induction.
While uterine hyperstimulation and water intoxication are more severe complications, GI upset is a recognized adverse reaction.
Vomiting matches the defining clue or classification criterion in the stem.
Supporting mechanism: The option aligns with the underlying pathophysiology, nursing rationale, procedure logic, or assessment principle being tested.
Key differentiator: It fits the one fact that separates the correct response from the closest distractor.

Option B: This is the opposite of the actual effect. Oxytocin has an antidiuretic (ADH-like) effect, which causes the kidneys to reabsorb water, leading to decreased urine output and risk of water intoxication.
Option C: Rapid intravenous administration of oxytocin typically causes vasodilation, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure (hypotension), not hypertension.
Option D: Maternal bradycardia is not a typical side effect. The common cardiovascular response to oxytocin-induced hypotension is reflex tachycardia (an increased heart rate).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adverse effects of oxytocin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse administering oxytocin must perform continuous maternal and fetal assessment. The most dangerous complication is uterine tachysystole, which can lead to fetal hypoxia and uterine rupture.
Recognizing the ADH-like effect is crucial. The nurse must monitor for signs of water intoxication (e.g., headache, confusion, decreased urine output) and use isotonic fluids for dilution, avoiding large volumes of free water.
What if? If the client developed uterine tachysystole (e.g., 6 contractions in 10 minutes) with fetal heart rate decelerations, the nurse's immediate priority is to stop the oxytocin infusion, reposition the mother to her side, and administer oxygen before notifying the provider.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a known side effect of oxytocin in a client undergoing labor induction.
Recall the main pharmacological actions of oxytocin. It stimulates uterine contractions and has a chemical structure similar to Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH).
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge.
Option B (Increased urine outflow) is incorrect because the ADH-like effect causes water retention, not loss.
Option C (Hypertension) and D (Bradycardia) are incorrect. The primary cardiovascular effect is hypotension with reflex tachycardia.
This leaves Option A (Vomiting). Even if it's not the most life-threatening side effect, it is a recognized adverse reaction, making it the correct choice among the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QtP62rY_MzK_aenUbulKAv

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 5

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 2 p. 3-5

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 527-529