What should the nurse prepare to administer after the emergent discontinuation of oxytocin?

After the emergent discontinuation of oxytocin, the nurse should prepare to administer terbutaline. Oxytocin is often used to stimulate uterine contractions, and if it is discontinued due to excessive uterine activity or hyperstimulation with tachysystole, terbutaline is administered as a tocolytic agent. Tocolytics are used to reduce uterine contractions, helping to prevent potential complications such as uterine rupture or fetal distress.

Terbutaline works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the uterus, thereby decreasing the frequency and intensity of contractions. This action helps to stabilize the uterine environment and provides an opportunity for proper fetal monitoring and further management.

The other options, while they may have specific indications in obstetrics or pain management, do not directly address the need to counteract the effects of oxytocin in the context of excessive uterine activity or hyperstimulation. Prostaglandin E2 is typically used to induce labor or manage cervical ripening; magnesium sulfate is primarily used for neuroprotection in preterm labor or to manage pregnancy-induced hypertension; and fentanyl is an opioid pain medication that does not treat the underlying cause of uterine hyperstimulation. Thus, terbutaline is the most appropriate choice in