- Class
- Obstetric drugs
- Body system
- Maternity
- Brand names
- Pitocin
What is Oxytocin used for?
- Induction and augmentation of labor
- Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
How Oxytocin works
Synthetic oxytocin: stimulates uterine contractions and contracts the uterus after birth.
Common side effects
- Uterine tachysystole (too many contractions)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Water intoxication with high doses or long infusions
- Hypotension with a rapid IV bolus
Report right away
- Contractions that come too often or last too long
- Headache, confusion or seizures (water intoxication)
Nursing considerations for Oxytocin
- Give as a diluted IV infusion by pump on a secondary line, piggybacked into the main line at the port closest to the IV site, so it can be stopped quickly.
- Monitor contraction frequency, duration and resting tone, and the fetal heart rate continuously. Tachysystole is more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
- If tachysystole or a nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern occurs: stop or reduce the infusion, reposition the patient on her side, give an IV fluid bolus and notify the provider per protocol.
- Monitor intake and output and watch for signs of water intoxication. High-alert medication.
Patient teaching
- Contractions may become stronger and closer together.
- Report a severe headache or pain that does not ease between contractions.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Obstetric drugs practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Oxytocin belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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During an oxytocin infusion, the patient has 6 contractions in 10 minutes. What is the first action?
Show answer
Answer C: Stop or reduce the oxytocin infusion per protocol This is uterine tachysystole. Stop or reduce the infusion, position the patient on her side, give fluids and notify the provider per protocol.
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Which drug for postpartum hemorrhage is contraindicated in a patient with preeclampsia?
Show answer
Answer A: Methylergonovine Methylergonovine causes vasoconstriction and can raise blood pressure dangerously.
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Which drug for postpartum hemorrhage should be avoided in a patient with asthma?
Show answer
Answer D: Carboprost Carboprost, a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog, can cause bronchospasm.
Frequently asked questions
What is Oxytocin used for?
Induction and augmentation of labor; Prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
What drug class is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin belongs to the class obstetric drugs. Synthetic oxytocin: stimulates uterine contractions and contracts the uterus after birth.
What are the nursing considerations for Oxytocin?
Give as a diluted IV infusion by pump on a secondary line, piggybacked into the main line at the port closest to the IV site, so it can be stopped quickly. Monitor contraction frequency, duration and resting tone, and the fetal heart rate continuously. Tachysystole is more than 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
What should patients report while taking Oxytocin?
contractions that come too often or last too long; headache, confusion or seizures (water intoxication).