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Complications and Outcomes
Complications and Outcomes ( 1 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing pre-term labor at 32 weeks of gestation.
The client’s cervix is 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced.
The nurse should anticipate administering which medication to suppress uterine contractions?
Magnesium sulfate is not a tocolytic drug, but a medication that can prevent seizures and reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm babies.
Betamethasone is not a tocolytic drug, but a corticosteroid that can help promote the baby’s lung maturity.
Nifedipine is a medication that can slow or stop contractions of the uterus and may prevent labor for 2 to 7 days.It works by relaxing smooth muscles and inhibiting uterine wall contractions.It can prolong delivery by up to 48 hours, allowing for proper lung development in the fetus.
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce uterine contractions.However, it has serious side effects such as oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (a blood vessel in the baby’s heart), and bleeding problems.Therefore, it is not recommended for use after 32 weeks of gestation.
Nifedipine. Nifedipine is a medication that can slow or stop contractions of the uterus and may prevent labor for 2 to 7 days. It works by relaxing smooth muscles and inhibiting uterine wall contractions. It can prolong delivery by up to 48 hours, allowing for proper lung development in the fetus.
Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate is not a tocolytic drug, but a medication that can prevent seizures and reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm babies.
Choice B is wrong because betamethasone is not a tocolytic drug, but a corticosteroid that can help promote the baby’s lung maturity.
Choice D is wrong because indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce uterine contractions. However, it has serious side effects such as oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (a blood vessel in the baby’s heart), and bleeding problems. Therefore, it is not recommended for use after 32 weeks of gestation.