What situation should prompt the nurse to discontinue oxytocin infusion for a client at 42 weeks gestation?

The situation in which the nurse should discontinue the oxytocin infusion is characterized by transition labor with contractions every 2 minutes lasting 90 seconds. In this phase of labor, contractions are typically very strong, frequent, and prolonged, which can lead to uterine tachysystole—a condition where there are more than five contractions in a 10-minute period, or contractions that last too long.

This scenario warrants discontinuation of oxytocin because the risks associated with such frequent and prolonged contractions include decreased uteroplacental perfusion, fetal distress, and potential uterine rupture. By halting the oxytocin infusion, the nurse can help prevent these complications and ensure better outcomes for both the mother and the fetus.

In contrast, the other situations presented describe labor stages with less frequent and shorter contractions, which do not typically warrant the same immediate concern for maternal and fetal well-being. These scenarios suggest a more stable labor progression, where it may be safe to continue monitoring and managing oxytocin infusion, as the contractions pose less risk than those experienced during transition labor.