During labor induction with oxytocin, when should the nurse stop the infusion?

The appropriate time to stop the infusion of oxytocin during labor induction is if contractions occur more frequently than every 2 minutes. This is critical because excessively frequent contractions can lead to uterine hypertonicity (too much tone) and increase the risk of uterine rupture, fetal distress, or placental abruption. Maintaining a safe and effective contraction pattern is essential for the well-being of both the mother and the fetus, and monitoring the frequency of contractions is a key component of this.

Stopping the infusion based on contractions occurring more frequently than every 2 minutes allows for the management of potential complications, ensuring that labor progresses safely without overwhelming the uterine muscles or jeopardizing the health of the fetus. In the context of labor induction, an appropriate contraction pattern is generally defined by contractions lasting about 60 seconds and occurring every 2 to 3 minutes.

The other options do not provide a clear medical indication for stopping the oxytocin infusion. For instance, cervical dilation is one measure of labor progress, but reaching 3 cm dilation alone does not warrant stopping the infusion, as continued labor may be necessary. Patient fatigue is subjective and may not directly relate to the safety of the oxytocin administration. Lastly, stopping the infusion solely at the patient's