The nurse is caring for a pregnant woman who is HIV positive. While teaching her about the use of antiretroviral drugs, the nurse explains that these medications will

A. Jaundice. Oxytocin does not cause jaundice in the mother. Jaundice is typically related to liver dysfunction, hemolysis, or bile obstruction and is not an expected side effect of oxytocin administration.

B. Dehydration. While prolonged labor induction may contribute to dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient, oxytocin itself does not directly cause dehydration. IV fluids are typically administered alongside oxytocin to maintain hydration during labor.

C. Uterine hyperstimulation. Uterine hyperstimulation (tachysystole), defined as more than five contractions in 10 minutes, is a serious complication of oxytocin administration. It can lead to fetal distress, uterine rupture, and impaired placental perfusion. If hyperstimulation occurs, the nurse should discontinue oxytocin, reposition the patient, provide oxygen, and notify the provider.

D. Maternal bradycardia. Oxytocin does not typically cause bradycardia. Maternal side effects are more commonly tachycardia, hypertension, or fluid retention. Fetal bradycardia, however, can occur if uterine hyperstimulation leads to fetal hypoxia.

A. Correct coagulation failure by giving platelets. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (amniotic fluid embolism) can cause disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), but correcting coagulation abnormalities is not the immediate priority. The first intervention should focus on oxygenation and stabilizing the cardiovascular system.

B. Provide emotional support to the woman and her family. While emotional support is important, this is not the priority in a life-threatening emergency. The focus should be on immediate resuscitation efforts to prevent maternal and fetal death.

C. Maintain cardiac output and assess intake & output. Maintaining cardiac output is critical, but this is secondary to oxygenation. The initial response should be administering high-flow oxygen to improve maternal and fetal oxygenation before managing hemodynamic stability.

D. Administer oxygen by tight face mask 8-10L/min. Amniotic fluid embolism causes sudden respiratory distress, hypoxia, and cardiovascular collapse. Immediate high-flow oxygen delivery is the first and most critical intervention to improve oxygenation, support cardiac function, and prevent further complications.