Final answer:
The nurse gave betamethasone to help with fetal lung maturity, not to stop labor. This medication is vital for the baby's respiratory system in case of preterm birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse administered two serial intramuscular (IM) injections of betamethasone (Celestone) to a woman at 32 weeks' gestation, who is admitted in preterm labor, to facilitate fetal lung maturity. This medication does not stop labor, increase placental perfusion, or reduce the intensity of contractions. Instead, it helps accelerate the development of the baby's lungs, enhancing their ability to function outside the womb in case of preterm birth. This corticosteroid is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and other complications associated with prematurity.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes prepare the body for labor. Progesterone, which inhibits uterine contractions, decreases in late gestation, allowing for the uterine contractions to intensify and progress to true labor. When necessary, synthetic hormones like oxytocin (Pitocin) may be administered to induce or maintain labor, but betamethasone serves a very specific purpose of enhancing fetal lung development in anticipation of a potential preterm delivery.