Maternity Nursing Q 44
In vaginal delivery done in the hospital setting, the doctor routinely orders oxytocin to be given to the mother parenterally. The oxytocin is usually given after the placenta has been delivered and not before because:
A. Oxytocin will prevent bleeding.
B. Oxytocin can make the cervix close and thus trap the placenta inside.
C. Oxytocin will facilitate placental delivery.
D. Giving oxytocin will ensure complete delivery of the placenta.
Correct Answer: B. Oxytocin can make the cervix close and thus trap the placenta inside
The action of oxytocin is to make the uterus contract as well make the cervix close. If it is given prior to placental delivery, the placenta will be trapped inside because the action of the drug is almost immediate if given parenterally.
Option A: Active management of the third stage of labor has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. It usually involves the administration of uterotonic drugs. Although active management has been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, it may have an impact on the well-being of the mother and baby in terms of the amount of blood that has been transfused to the baby before the separation of the placenta.
Option C: In the United States, oxytocin is the uterotonic most often administered at birth. It is commonly administered after delivery of the placenta. However, it does not facilitate placental delivery.
Option D: For the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, and in conjunction with the other components of active management of the third stage of labor, oxytocin can be administered with the delivery of the anterior shoulder or after the delivery of the placenta.