Oxytocin is?

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Oxytocin is a hormone released from the posterior pituitary gland.
Its primary function is to stimulate the smooth muscle of the uterus, causing powerful contractions during labor.
This effect is enhanced by estrogen and becomes very strong near term due to an increase in oxytocin receptors in the uterine wall.
Oxytocin also stimulates the milk ejection reflex in lactating women.

Option A: Testicular activity is primarily stimulated by Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary, not oxytocin.
Option B: Growth hormone (somatotropin) is a separate hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that regulates growth, metabolism, and body composition.
Option D: This option is poorly phrased but likely means 'sex hormone'. Oxytocin is a peptide hormone, whereas primary sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are steroid hormones with different structures and functions.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physiological function of the hormone oxytocin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Oxytocin (in its synthetic form, Pitocin) is one of the most common drugs used in obstetrics to induce or augment labor and to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage.
Nurses must be vigilant when administering oxytocin infusions, as incorrect dosages can lead to uterine hyperstimulation (tachysystole), which can cause fetal distress or uterine rupture.
What if? If a patient receiving an oxytocin infusion develops contractions that are too frequent (e.g., more than 5 in 10 minutes) or last too long, the nurse's first action is to stop the infusion, turn the patient to her side, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword in the question, which is 'Oxytocin'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the endocrine system and the specific functions of different hormones.
Recall that oxytocin is a posterior pituitary hormone with two main targets: the uterus and the breasts.
Evaluate each option based on this knowledge.
Option A (testicular activity) is incorrect; that's LH/FSH.
Option B (growth hormone) is incorrect; that's a different hormone.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.