Routine pitocin questions...

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Specializes in OB.

We do routine pitocin where I work. Inductions get the rest of their bag of pit (we use 30units in 500cc) and those not induced get 20 units in 1000cc. C-sections also get the 20 units in 1000cc.

As far as I know, every mom does not need pitocin. I often will not finish the bag, as long as the fundus is firm and the bleeding is good.

A lot of nurses where I work hang a second bag of pit for the c-sections, which I'm not sure of why. They have pit running for over 12 hours this way.

Is it better to leave pit running for the c-sections, or just switch them to LR? Or of course SL them if they are eating of course?

Do you all do routine pitocin? Is it really necessary?

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.

We do routine pitocin. Usually 20u for SVD, and 40u for c-sec (all total) sometimes 60. Some nurses hang another 20 of pit for SVD. Kinda depends on the docs, nurse, and of course the pt. The G5 might need 40 of pit after a SVD, a G1 might not really need anything, or even vice versa! It does seem a bit much to me, but better safe than sorry, I guess.

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Specializes in many.

Inductions will get the rest of the pitocin hanging and depending on gravida will sometimes get a second bag of 20 in 1L.

Here in East North Carolina we have a very large population of very large patients (my 2 pt's today weighed a combined 720lbs). If I can't find a uterus when I am giving a fundal massage d/t pure mass of tissue between the surface and the organ I am more likely to run more than 2 bags of pitocin.

I will also do the same for a grandmultip.

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We don't do routine pitocin. Most of our SVD's will get 5 units IV or 10 IM but if a mom doesn't want it and there is no bleeding problem we do not give it. If a mom has refused pitocin but then proceeds to bleed excessivly I've never had her turn down pitocin at that point.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, OR, OB, instructor.

We have a free flowing, never ending waterfall of pit at our hospital! One doc wants 40U in 1000 for normal deliveries, and if there is any hint of bleeding, increases it to 60U. Everyone else gets 20 in 1000 for 8 hours for an uncomplicated delivery. Sections 20 in 1000 for 8 hrs also. We have the firmest uteruses this side of the Mississippi!

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Pit for 8 hours after a complication free delivery? I think our patients might go on strike if we did that:lol2:. If someone is bleeding heavier then our docs like, it's 40 units in 1000cc, running wide open until the uterus is firm and then we slow in down so it runs for 4-5 hours. I've only seen a few that have had pit for over 8 hours.

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