Which of the following can result in bradycardia during fetal monitoring?

Bradycardia, defined as a fetal heart rate that falls below 110 beats per minute, can certainly be influenced by the administration of high doses of Pitocin. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin used to induce or augment labor, and its overuse can lead to uterine hyperstimulation, which may cause fetal stress and subsequent bradycardia. This is primarily due to the increased uterine contractions that may compress the umbilical cord, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, ultimately resulting in a lowered heart rate.

Utilizing Pitocin necessitates close monitoring of both maternal and fetal well-being because of its potential to initiate several complications. Elevated levels can counterintuitively decrease fetal heart rate variability as well, indicating that the fetus may be under duress. This connection highlights the importance of careful dosing and vigilant fetal monitoring whenever Pitocin is used during labor.