Question

Once preterm labor is diagnosed, which of the following medications should be considered as tocolytic?

a) Oxytocin
b) Misoprostol
c) Terbutaline
d) Dinoprostone

Answer 1

Once preterm labor is diagnosed, the medication that should be considered as a tocolytic is c) Terbutaline.

Step-by-step explanation:

Terbutaline is a tocolytic medication commonly used to inhibit uterine contractions and prevent preterm labor. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus, specifically targeting the beta-2 adrenergic receptors. This action helps delay labor and provides an opportunity for additional interventions or administration of corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity.

Oxytocin, misoprostol, and dinoprostone, on the other hand, are not tocolytic medications; they are uterotonic agents used for inducing or augmenting labor. Selecting the appropriate tocolytic, such as terbutaline, is crucial in managing preterm labor and improving outcomes for both the mother and the neonate.