A nurse is caring for a client in pre-term labor.

Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus?

Administering corticosteroids.Corticosteroids are drugs that can speed up the development of the baby’s lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications of preterm birth.They are usually given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery between 24 0/7 weeks and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation.

Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not enhance fetal lung maturity.

It may be used to treat dehydration or prevent hypotension, but it has no effect on the baby’s lungs.

Choice B is wrong because administering tocolytics does not enhance fetal lung maturity.

Tocolytics are drugs that can delay preterm labor for a short time, but they do not improve the baby’s lung function.

Choice D is wrong because providing emotional support does not enhance fetal lung maturity.

It may help the mother cope with stress and anxiety, but it does not affect the baby’s lungs.

Fetal lung maturity is the condition of the baby’s lungs being able to breathe normally after birth.It involves several developmental processes, such as the formation of alveoli, bronchi, and surfactant.

Fetal lungs are usually mature by 36 weeks of gestation, but some babies may need steroids to speed up lung development if they are at risk of preterm birth.

A positive fetal fibronectin test (FFN) indicates that the fetal membrane has been disrupted and labor may occur within the next 7 to 14 days.

This is a sign of preterm labor that should be reported immediately.

Choice A is wrong because elevated blood glucose level is not a sign of preterm labor, but a possible complication of gestational diabetes.

Choice B is wrong because thinning of the cervix (also called effacement) is a normal process that occurs during late pregnancy and labor.

It does not necessarily indicate preterm labor.

Choice D is wrong because abdominal tenderness is not a specific sign of preterm labor.

It could be caused by other factors such as constipation, gas, or stretching of the ligaments.

Some of the signs and symptoms of preterm labor include:

• Regular or frequent sensations of abdominal tightening (contractions) every 10 minutes or more often

• Change in vaginal discharge (leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina)

• Feeling of pressure in the pelvis (hip) area

• Low, dull backache

• Cramps that feel like menstrual cramps

• Abdominal cramps with or without diarrhea