A nurse is caring for a patient in labor who is receiving oxytocin (Pitocin) by IV infusion to stimulate uterine contractions.
Which assessment finding would indicate to the nurse that the infusion needs to be discontinued?

Choice A rationale:

This response is incorrect because newborn screening tests do not determine blood type. Blood type is typically determined through a separate blood test, such as an ABO and Rh typing test.

While knowing a baby's blood type is important for medical reasons, it's not the primary purpose of newborn screening.

Focusing solely on blood type could mislead parents about the broader scope of conditions that newborn screening aims to identify.

Choice B rationale:

This response is incorrect because newborn screening tests are not diagnostic tests. They are screening tests, which means they identify babies who may be at risk for certain diseases, but they do not confirm whether or not a baby actually has a disease.

Diagnostic tests are typically more specific and are performed after a screening test has indicated a potential problem.

It's crucial to clarify the distinction between screening and diagnosis to avoid causing undue alarm or confusion for parents.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct response. It accurately explains that newborn screening tests are routine procedures that are performed to detect babies who may be at risk for developing certain diseases.

The emphasis on "risk" is important because it highlights that a positive screening result does not necessarily mean that a baby has a disease, but rather that further testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

This response also avoids making assumptions about the parents' carrier status, which is a sensitive topic that should be addressed with care and discretion.

Choice D rationale:

This response is incorrect because it assumes that the parents are carriers for a disease, which may not be the case.

Even if the parents are carriers, newborn screening tests are not designed to specifically determine whether a disease has been passed down from parent to child.

Making such assumptions could create unnecessary anxiety or confusion for parents, and it's important to provide information that is accurate and relevant to their specific situation.

A rationale:

Incorrect. Nitrous oxide can be used during any stage of labor, not just the second stage. It is often used during the first stage to help manage early labor pain.

Evidence: Studies have shown that nitrous oxide is effective for pain relief during both the first and second stages of labor.

Additional information: The timing of nitrous oxide administration is typically based on the individual's preferences and needs. Some people prefer to use it as soon as labor begins, while others wait until contractions become more intense.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. Nitrous oxide is not a prelude to cesarean birth. It is a method of pain relief that can be used during vaginal or cesarean birth.

Evidence: Cesarean birth is a major surgical procedure that is typically performed under regional or general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is not a type of anesthesia that would be used for this purpose.

Additional information: Cesarean birth is usually only performed when there is a medical reason why a vaginal birth is not possible or safe.

Choice C rationale:

Incorrect. Nitrous oxide is still a commonly used method of pain relief during labor. It is safe and effective, and it has a good safety profile.

Evidence: Nitrous oxide is one of the most widely used methods of pain relief during labor in many countries around the world.

Additional information: The use of nitrous oxide during labor has been increasing in recent years, as more people have become aware of its benefits.

Choice D rationale:

Correct. The procedure described in the question is an application of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has analgesic and anxiolytic properties. It is often used during labor to help manage pain and anxiety.

Evidence: Nitrous oxide is a well-established method of pain relief during labor. It has been used for this purpose for over a century.

Additional information: Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option for pain relief during labor. It is easy to administer and has few side effects.