1.

Exogenous oxytocin is a powerful uterine stimulant; therefore, dosage should simulate the amount normally
released endogenously during labor to achieve a physiologic steady state.

2.

Fewer adverse effects of oxytocin are related to newer low-dose regimens.

3.

Regardless of the dosage of oxytocin administered to induce labor, an unfavorable cervix may not dilate.

4.

Physiologic principles provide an understanding of why oxytocin dosage during labor induction or
augmentation should be kept as low as possible to prevent adverse maternal and fetal effects.

5.

Nurses must be aware of the changes in practice regarding oxytocin administration and must revise and
implement protocols for labor induction and augmentation accordingly.
Publication History
1.

Issue published online: 28 JUL 2006

2.

Article first published online: 28 JUL 2006

3.

Accepted June 1991

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A physiologic rationale, based on a review of the literature, is provided for implementing a protocol for labor induction
or augmentation with intravenous oxytocin infusion. Oxytocin dosage should simulate the amount normally released
endogenously during labor. Recent studies suggest that smaller dose regimens are as effective as previous larger
dose regimens and that adverse effects of oxytocin are dose related. Nurses must know the relationship between the
physiology of normal labor and the pharmacokinetics and safe administration of oxytocin during labor.