Which action is NOT advised for managing a patient with placenta previa?

• A. Maintain bedrest
• B. Assess for fetal heart tones
• C. Use Pitocin to induce labor
• D. Administer steroids to develop fetal lungs

Answer: (C)

In the case of a patient with placenta previa, using Pitocin to induce labor is not advised because the condition poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetus. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is positioned low in the uterus and covers the cervix, which can lead to heavy bleeding during labor. Inducing labor in this situation can provoke contractions that may increase the risk of bleeding and jeopardize the safety of the mother and baby.

Maintaining bedrest is often recommended to reduce the risk of bleeding, as is monitoring fetal heart tones to assess the well-being of the fetus. Administering steroids to develop fetal lungs may be appropriate if the patient is near preterm labor, taking into account that there could be a need for an early delivery due to complications from placenta previa. Thus, the action involving the use of Pitocin directly conflicts with safe management principles for this condition.