Question

A client at 30 weeks' gestation is admitted in preterm labor. An IV solution of the tocolytic agent ritodrine (Yutopar) is started. The nurse prepares to administer an IM injection of betamethasone (Celestone). The client asks why betamethasone is being administered. The nurse responds, It:

A. enhances uterine relaxation.
B. prevents fetal hypoglycemia.
C. stimulates fetal lung maturity.
D. counteracts adverse reactions.

Answer 1

Betamethasone is administered to stimulate fetal lung maturity in preterm labor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is administering betamethasone (Celestone) to stimulate fetal lung maturity.

In late gestation, progesterone levels decrease, allowing uterine contractions to intensify and progress to true labor. However, betamethasone, a corticosteroid, can be given to promote fetal lung maturity in preterm labor. It helps to accelerate the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, which is necessary for the lungs to function properly after birth. This corticosteroid is given to accelerate the development of the fetus' lungs, which is crucial if the baby is born prematurely. It promotes the synthesis of surfactant, the substance that prevents the alveoli in the lungs from collapsing, and enhances the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively upon birth.

This medication does not enhance uterine relaxation, prevent fetal hypoglycemia, or counteract adverse reactions.