AWHONN

#1 ABSOLUTELY!!

#2 That depends on the effect it has on the patient. Lower doses are used at the beginning of inductions, and if the strength of contractions isn't impressive, and the cervix doesn't change at all in, say 3-4 hours of starting it, a higher dose can be given at the physicians' discretion.

#3 Yes, for adults and newborns. You can be certified during probation.

#4 That depends on how involved the pharmacy is regarding IV solution preparation. I've added it to the container of the IV ordered (at least 2 decades ago), and used that one as a secondary, so the pit can be shut off immediately, by running the primary IV through the tubing, into a container and reconnecting it free of pitocin. That can cause a mess, but if the contractions are tumultuous, you don't want any more pit going in. However the pit has a fairly long half life, so the contractions will ease off gradually, or stay strong through delivery, depending..... on mom's uterus's absorption and whether its tone resumes/takes up the job on its own. (Note: pit induced labors should only be done following softening of the cervix, with some effacement. They're more taxing on the patient and since contractions peak sooner than they would otherwise, the laboring mom needs a lot of nursing coverage to support her labor coach if they've had classes and are prepared. If that isn't the situation, nursing should be 1:1 in my opinion I doubt that AWOHNN takes that stand.)

thanks Kathy! That's great info!

thanks Kathy! That's great info!

That info was posted by Lamazeteacher..... Lois

Kathy also thanked me. Thanx Kathy