What is the immediate action a nurse should take if uterine hypertonicity is noted during an oxytocin infusion?

In the context of uterine hypertonicity during an oxytocin infusion, the immediate action that should be taken is to stop the oxytocin infusion. Uterine hypertonicity refers to excessive uterine tone or contractions that can lead to complications for both the mother and the fetus. When hypertonicity is observed, the priority is to prevent further stimulation of the uterus, which can exacerbate the condition and increase risks such as uterine rupture or fetal distress.

Stopping the infusion allows the uterus to relax and decreases the risk of adverse outcomes. It is essential for the nurse to assess the situation carefully and may need to follow up with additional interventions, such as notifying the healthcare provider and monitoring fetal heart rate and uterine activity closely.

The option of checking for crowning is a valid assessment step in the context of labor, but it does not address the immediate concern of uterine hypertonicity and the potential risks involved. Encouraging the client to take deep breaths may help with relaxation but is not a primary intervention when hypertonicity is observed. Increasing the infusion rate would further stimulate the uterus, which is contraindicated in this scenario. Therefore, stopping the oxytocin infusion is the most appropriate and immediate response to protect the health and