Question

With regard to the use of tocolytic therapy to suppress premature uterine activity, nurses should be aware that:

A) Its most important function is to afford the opportunity to administer antenatal glucocorticoids.
B) The drugs can be given efficaciously up to the designated beginning of term at 37 weeks.
C) If the client develops pulmonary edema while on tocolytics, intravenous (IV) fluids should be given.
D) There are no important maternal (as opposed to fetal) contraindications.

Answer 1

The primary use of tocolytic therapy is to delay premature labor to allow for the administration of antenatal glucocorticoids for fetal lung development. It is not generally used up to 37 weeks of gestation, and care must be taken with its administration, particularly if pulmonary edema develops.

Step-by-step explanation:

With regard to the use of tocolytic therapy to suppress premature uterine activity, nurses should be aware that the most important function of this intervention is to afford the opportunity to administer antenatal glucocorticoids, which are crucial for fetal lung maturation if the birth is imminent. It's not recommended to use tocolytics up to the full term at 37 weeks, as their efficacy is usually considered in the context of delaying delivery for a short time to administer necessary medications to the fetus. If the client develops pulmonary edema while on tocolytics, it is important not to administer intravenous (IV) fluids, as this could exacerbate the condition. There are important maternal, as well as fetal, contraindications that need to be considered when initiating tocolytic therapy.