When receiving an oxytocin injection for labor induction, what adverse effect should the nurse monitor for?

Monitoring for insufficient relaxation of the uterus between contractions is critical when administering oxytocin for labor induction. Oxytocin is a potent uterine stimulant that prompts contractions, but it is vital to ensure that there is adequate uterine relaxation between these contractions to maintain proper uteroplacental perfusion and prevent complications such as uterine hyperstimulation.

Insufficient relaxation can lead to prolonged contractions, increased uterine tone, or even uterine rupture, which can compromise both maternal and fetal well-being. Therefore, the nurse must closely observe the contraction patterns and assess the intervals between them. If contractions are too frequent or sustained, it could put both the mother and baby at risk, necessitating an immediate intervention, such as administering tocolytics to reduce uterine activity.

This monitoring is essential in the clinical setting to ensure the safety and efficacy of labor induction with oxytocin, reinforcing the importance of understanding uterine dynamics during labor.