A nurse is assessing a pregnant client at 28 weeks of gestation.

Which finding should the nurse prioritize as a potential sign of pre-term labor?

Hypoglycemia due to low glycogen stores.

Premature newborns have low glycogen stores and are at risk of developing hypoglycemia, which can cause seizures, brain damage, or death.

The nurse should monitor the blood glucose levels of the newborn and report any signs of hypoglycemia, such as jitteriness, lethargy, poor feeding, or temperature instability.

Choice A is wrong because increased bilirubin levels, not decreased, are a potential complication of prematurity.

Bilirubin is a waste product of red blood cell breakdown that can accumulate in the blood and cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Premature newborns have immature livers that cannot process bilirubin effectively and may need phototherapy to reduce the levels.

Choice B is wrong because decreased fat stores, not increased, are a potential complication of prematurity.

Fat stores provide insulation and energy for the newborn and help maintain body temperature.

Premature newborns have less subcutaneous fat and are prone to heat loss and cold stress, which can affect their metabolism and oxygen consumption.

Choice D is wrong because absence of mature lung surfactant, not presence, is a potential complication of prematurity.

Surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of the alveoli and prevents them from collapsing during expiration.

Premature newborns have insufficient surfactant production and may develop respiratory distress syndrome, which is characterized by tachypnea, grunting, retractions, and cyanosis.

The correct answer is choice B. 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 antenatal corticosteroids and transfer to a tertiary care facility if necessary.

Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.It may also increase the risk of pulmonary edema in women with preterm labor.

Choice C is wrong because administering corticosteroids does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.Corticosteroids are given to enhance fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

However, they do not stop preterm labor.

Choice D is wrong because providing emotional support does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.Emotional support is important for women with preterm labor, but it is not a priority intervention to prevent fetal hypoxia or acidosis.