Question

The nurse is planning care for a client at 30-weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider to prescribe?

1) Terbutaline (Brethine) 0.25 mg subcutaneously q15 minutes x 3
2) Ampicillin 1 gram IV push q8h
3) Betamethasone (Celestone) 12 mg deep IM
4) Butorphanol (Stadol) 1 mg IV push q2h PRN pain

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate the healthcare provider to prescribe Betamethasone (Celestone) for a client experiencing preterm labor at 30-weeks gestation, as it helps in developing the fetus’ lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory complications after birth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is planning care for a client at 30-weeks gestation who is experiencing preterm labor. The healthcare provider is likely to prescribe Betamethasone (Celestone) 12 mg deep IM, as it aids in accelerating fetal lung maturity and surfactant production, which is crucial for the baby's respiratory function if born prematurely. Terbutaline (Brethine) may be used to relax the uterus and delay labor, but must be used with caution due to potential maternal and fetal side effects. Ampicillin could be prescribed if there was evidence of infection, and Butorphanol (Stadol) would be for pain relief, but is not typically a first-line medication for preterm labor management.

The administration of corticosteroids like Betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery substantially improves newborn outcomes. Corticosteroids decrease the incidence and severity of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and improve long-term infant health.