Question

A client at 32 weeks' gestation is admitted in active labor. Her cervix is effaced and 4 cm dilated. Betamethasone (Celestone) 12 mg IM is prescribed. What should the nurse tell the client about why the medication is given?

A. Cervical dilation is increased
B. Fetal lung maturity is accelerated
C. Risk of a precipitous birth is reduced
D. Potential for maternal hypertension is minimized

Answer 1

Betamethasone (Celestone) is given to accelerate fetal lung maturity, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should tell the client that the medication is given to accelerate fetal lung maturity. Betamethasone (Celestone) is a corticosteroid medication that is used to speed up the development of the baby's lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. It helps the baby's lungs produce surfactant, which is a substance that keeps the air sacs in the lungs from collapsing.