ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Medication

Chris Larimer
STUDENT NAME______________________________________
Oxytocin (Pitocin)
MEDICATION___________________________________________________________________________ REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER____________

CATEGORY CLASS__Uterine Stimulant (Hormone)

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PURPOSE OF MEDICATION

Expected Pharmacological Action Therapeutic Use

Promotion of uterine contractions by Induction of labor by hormonal action.
stimuating uterine smooth muscle Facilitation of threatened abortion.
Post-partum control of bleeding.
Antidiuretic effect

Complications Medication Administration

Maternal: Coma, Seizures, hypotension, hypochloremia, IV - 10 units infused at 20-40
hyponatremia, painful contractions, uterine hypoperfusion. mU/min
Fetal: intracranial hemorrhage, arrythmias, asphyxia /
hypoxia. IM - 10 untis after delivery of
placenta

Contraindications/Precautions
Slow infusion over 24 hrs has caused water intoxication
with seizures and coma
Nursing Interventions
Hypersensitivity Assess fetal maturity, staging,
and presentation. Continuous
FHR monitoring.
Monitor for adverse reactions of
Interactions water intoxication.
Assess uterine tone and vaginal
Severe hypertension may occur with vasopressors bleeding

Client Education
Advise the patient on signs of
water intoxication
Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness
Delivery of fetus, placenta, or POC. Tell client to report any pain
Reduction in postpartum bleeding

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES