Editing Maternal and Newborn Nursing (section)

=== Induction, augmentation, and cesarean birth ===

'''Oxytocin''' is titrated to an adequate contraction pattern with a full resting tone. Nursing responsibility is continuous fetal monitoring, watching for tachysystole and Category II or III patterns, monitoring intake and output (oxytocin has an antidiuretic effect and high-dose prolonged infusion risks water intoxication), and knowing that '''the nurse independently stops or decreases the infusion for tachysystole or a nonreassuring tracing'''. Cervical ripening agents include prostaglandins (dinoprostone, misoprostol) and mechanical methods such as a Foley balloon. Bishop score estimates readiness for induction; a higher score predicts success.

'''Amniotomy''': assess and document the fetal heart rate immediately before and after, note fluid color, odor, and amount, and watch for cord prolapse. Meconium-stained fluid warrants readiness for neonatal resuscitation. Time from rupture matters for infection risk.

'''Cesarean birth''' care includes the standard perioperative sequence plus a wedge under the right hip to displace the uterus off the vena cava, and postoperatively the same fundal, lochia, incision, and VTE assessments as vaginal birth. Cesarean patients still have lochia and still need fundal assessment.