What it means
A word for bringing something on. Induction of labor means starting contractions before labor begins on its own, with drugs such as oxytocinok-sih-TOH-sinA hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.Full entry or prostaglandins, or by breaking the bag of waters. Induction of anesthesia is the first phase of general anesthesia, when drugs such as propofolPROH-poh-folA fast-acting IV drug used to put clients to sleep for surgery or procedures and to sedate clients on a ventilator.Full entry put the client to sleep before the airway is secured. It can also mean the first phase of a drug treatment, as in induction chemotherapy.
For the nurse
During labor induction with oxytocin, watch contractions and the fetal heart rate closely, and stop the infusion for contractions that come too often or a worrying fetal heart pattern, as the protocol directs. In the operating room, keep the room quiet during induction and be ready to help the anesthesia provider.
Related terms
oxytocin
A hormone that makes the uterus contract and releases breast milk; also given by IV to start or strengthen labor and control bleeding after birth.
general anesthesia
Drug-induced loss of consciousness and feeling over the whole body, so a person feels nothing and is not aware during surgery.
propofol
A fast-acting IV drug used to put clients to sleep for surgery or procedures and to sedate clients on a ventilator.