A client at 32 weeks of gestation is diagnosed with pre-term labor.

Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to reduce uterine activity?

Administering tocolytics.Tocolytics are drugs that inhibit uterine contractions and can delay preterm labor for a short time.This can allow time for the administration of corticosteroids and transfer to a tertiary care facility if necessary.

Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not reduce uterine activity.It may be used to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, which can be risk factors for preterm labor.

Choice C is wrong because administering corticosteroids does not reduce uterine activity.It may be used to enhance fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Choice D is wrong because administering antibiotics does not reduce uterine activity.It may be used to treat infections that can trigger preterm labor, such as bacterial vaginosis or chorioamnionitis.

Performing a speculum examination of the vagina and cervix.

This is because a speculum examination can help determine the presence of cervical dilation, effacement, or infection, which are signs of pre-term labor.

A speculum examination can also detect the presence of fetal fibronectin, which is a protein that indicates an increased risk of pre-term delivery.

Choice A is wrong because obtaining a detailed history of previous pregnancies is not a priority assessment for pre-term labor.

While it can provide some information about the client’s risk factors, it does not indicate the current status of the pregnancy or the cervix.

Choice B is wrong because checking the fetal heart rate and activity is not a priority assessment for pre-term labor.

While it can provide some information about the fetal well-being, it does not indicate the presence or absence of contractions or cervical changes.

Choice D is wrong because performing laboratory tests, such as urine culture, is not a priority assessment for pre-term labor.

While it can help identify possible infections that may contribute to pre-term labor, it does not provide immediate results or indicate the current status of the cervix.