If a nurse notes no rest period between contractions on an oxytocin infusion, what should be the first action?

When a nurse observes that there is no rest period between contractions while a patient is on an oxytocin infusion, the first action should be to turn the oxytocin infusion off. Continuous contractions without a resting interval can lead to excessive uterine activity, which poses risks to both the mother and the fetus, including uterine hyperstimulation, fetal distress, and possible uterine rupture. By stopping the infusion, the nurse can help to prevent these potential complications.

It is crucial to prioritize the immediate safety of both the mother and the fetus in this situation. Actions such as notifying the physician or administering medications would typically follow the assessment and immediate intervention, ensuring that the patient is stabilized first. Increasing the oxytocin dosage would be inappropriate as it would likely exacerbate the problem and increase the risk of complications. Similarly, administering terbutaline, a medication that helps to relax the uterus, is also not the first step without first stopping the infusion, as the primary concern is to halt the ongoing uterine activity.