What contraindication is associated with oxytocin?

What contraindication is associated with oxytocin?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Allergy or hypersensitivity to oxytocin
• C. Kidney disease
• D. Respiratory distress

Answer: (B)

Oxytocin is a medication commonly used to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth and to manage postpartum hemorrhage. One of the primary contraindications for administering oxytocin is known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug itself. When a patient has a history of hypersensitivity to oxytocin, there is a risk of severe allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Such reactions may include anaphylaxis or other serious immune responses that could jeopardize both the patient's and the fetus's well-being. The other options present potential concerns but do not directly contraindicate the use of oxytocin. For example, while hypertension can complicate labor or delivery, it is not an absolute contraindication to the use of oxytocin in monitored settings. Similarly, kidney disease does not necessarily preclude oxytocin administration but may require careful consideration of dosing due to potential fluid retention. Respiratory distress, while a significant clinical concern, is not specifically a contraindication for oxytocin but rather would require close monitoring during administration. In contrast, having a history of allergy or hypersensitivity is a clear and specific reason to avoid using this medication altogether.

Oxytocin is a medication commonly used to stimulate uterine contractions during childbirth and to manage postpartum hemorrhage. One of the primary contraindications for administering oxytocin is known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug itself. When a patient has a history of hypersensitivity to oxytocin, there is a risk of severe allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening. Such reactions may include anaphylaxis or other serious immune responses that could jeopardize both the patient's and the fetus's well-being.

The other options present potential concerns but do not directly contraindicate the use of oxytocin. For example, while hypertension can complicate labor or delivery, it is not an absolute contraindication to the use of oxytocin in monitored settings. Similarly, kidney disease does not necessarily preclude oxytocin administration but may require careful consideration of dosing due to potential fluid retention. Respiratory distress, while a significant clinical concern, is not specifically a contraindication for oxytocin but rather would require close monitoring during administration. In contrast, having a history of allergy or hypersensitivity is a clear and specific reason to avoid using this medication altogether.