A labouring patient is receiving an intravenous oxytocin infusion for labour augmentation. The nurse recognizes that the oxytocin infusion rate should not be increased further when uterine contractions reach which of the following patterns?

1. A

   5 contractions in 10 minutes

2. B

   3 contractions in 10 minutes

3. C

   Contractions occurring every 5 minutes

4. D

   Contractions lasting 30 to 40 seconds with resting intervals of 3 minutes

Appeared in: NORCET-11 Prelims

Explanation

• Uterine tachysystole is defined as more than five contractions in 10 minutes.
• Further increase in oxytocin at this frequency risks fetal compromise.
• Standard protocols recommend not increasing oxytocin beyond this contraction pattern.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: Three contractions in 10 minutes is within the normal range for labor and does not indicate tachysystole.
• Option C: Contractions every 5 minutes equate to about two contractions in 10 minutes, which is not excessive.
• Option D: Contractions lasting 30 to 40 seconds with 3-minute intervals indicate a low frequency, not tachysystole.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Recognition of uterine tachysystole during oxytocin infusion for labor augmentation to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
• Nurses must monitor contraction frequency during oxytocin infusion to prevent uterine tachysystole and fetal distress.
• Prompt action is required if tachysystole develops to avoid complications such as uterine rupture or fetal hypoxia.
• What if? If contractions fall below two in 10 minutes, oxytocin may be increased; if contractions exceed five in 10 minutes, oxytocin should not be increased and may need to be reduced.

How to Approach the Question

• Read the clinical scenario and identify the intervention (oxytocin infusion).
• Recall the definition of uterine tachysystole (more than five contractions in 10 minutes).
• Compare each option to the tachysystole threshold.
• Eliminate options that do not meet the criteria for stopping oxytocin.
• Select the option that matches the definition of tachysystole.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Recognition of uterine tachysystole during oxytocin infusion for labor augmentation
• Stem keywords: labouring patient, intravenous oxytocin infusion, labour augmentation, uterine contractions
• Lead-in keywords: should not be increased further, when contractions reach
• Clinical cues: oxytocin infusion
• Clinical cues: contraction frequency

Question ID

Qx_8hg6qHlMFyjKSKoqqn8

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Obstetrics Williams pp. 83-95, 4, 3