During oxytocin augmentation, an intrauterine pressure catheter shows a resting tone of 15 mmHg with contraction peaks of 70 mmHg, occurring 3 times in 10 minutes. Which statement is correct?

• A Montevideo units are 275, and contractions are excessive
• B Montevideo units are 210, and contractions are adequate
• C Montevideo units are 165, and contractions are adequate
• D Montevideo units are 165, and contractions are inadequate ✓

Explanation

Montevideo units equal the peak intensity above resting tone multiplied by the number of contractions in 10 minutes. Here intensity is 70 minus 15, which is 55 mmHg, and 55 times 3 gives 165 MVU. Adequate uterine activity is defined as 200 MVU or more in the active phase, so 165 MVU is inadequate and justifies increasing oxytocin. Option B wrongly uses the absolute peak of 70 instead of the amplitude above baseline tone.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.