What is an adverse effect of oxytocin therapy?

What is an adverse effect of oxytocin therapy?

• A. Maternal hypotension and water intoxication
• B. Hypertension and edema
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Increased risk of infection

Answer: (A)

Oxytocin can cause adverse effects related to its antidiuretic-like action and how it’s given for labor. When infused at high doses or too rapidly, it can lead to maternal hypotension from vasodilation and, importantly, water intoxication (fluid retention) because it resembles antidiuretic hormone. Water intoxication can dilute sodium in the blood, risking hyponatremia and neurological symptoms if severe. This is why hypotension and water intoxication are classic, clinically important risks of oxytocin therapy. The other listed effects—hypertension with edema, hyperglycemia, or increased infection risk—do not typically arise from oxytocin itself. In practice, the key is careful dosing and close monitoring of fluids, vitals, and fetal status to prevent these complications.

Oxytocin can cause adverse effects related to its antidiuretic-like action and how it’s given for labor. When infused at high doses or too rapidly, it can lead to maternal hypotension from vasodilation and, importantly, water intoxication (fluid retention) because it resembles antidiuretic hormone. Water intoxication can dilute sodium in the blood, risking hyponatremia and neurological symptoms if severe. This is why hypotension and water intoxication are classic, clinically important risks of oxytocin therapy. The other listed effects—hypertension with edema, hyperglycemia, or increased infection risk—do not typically arise from oxytocin itself. In practice, the key is careful dosing and close monitoring of fluids, vitals, and fetal status to prevent these complications.