A primipara client at 42-weeks gestation is admitted for induction.Within one hour after initiating an oxytocin infusion, her cervix is 100% effaced and 6 cm dilated, contractions are occurring every 1 minute with a 75 second duration.
The nurse stops the oxytocin and starts oxygen.
After 30 minutes of uterine rest, the contractions are occurring every 5 minutes with 20 second duration.
Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Stopping oxygen per cannula after uterine hyperstimulation and subsequent contraction reduction is not appropriate. Oxygen should be continued to ensure fetal oxygenation, particularly after a period of stress caused by frequent contractions. Discontinuing oxygen too soon may compromise fetal well-being.

Choice B rationale

Checking for clonus in both feet is unrelated to the management of uterine contractions post-oxytocin administration. Clonus assessment is used in evaluating neuromuscular function, often in conditions such as preeclampsia, but not for monitoring uterine activity or response to oxytocin.

Choice C rationale

Notifying the nursery about the client's response is important for continuity of care but does not address the immediate need to manage the uterine contractions. The primary focus should be on stabilizing uterine activity before updating other departments.

Choice D rationale

Restarting the oxytocin infusion rate per protocol is the correct intervention after ensuring that the contractions have reduced to a safe frequency and duration. This approach helps to maintain labor progress while minimizing the risk of hyperstimulation and fetal distress. The nurse should follow the hospital's guidelines for oxytocin titration.