A patient who is 28 weeks pregnant is demonstrating signs of placental insufficiency. The health care provider prescribes betamethasone. What should the nurse inform the patient regarding the purpose of this medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synthetically increasing steroid levels in the fetus through the use of betamethasone can hurry alveolar maturation and surfactant production without interfering with permanent lung function prior to a preterm birth. Surfactant is formed and excreted by the alveolar cells of the lungs at about the 24th week of pregnancy, decreases alveolar surface tension on expiration, prevents alveolar collapse, and improves the infant's ability to maintain respirations in the outside environment at birth. Betamethasone is not being given to this patient to stop premature labor, improve the function of the placenta, or improve immunologic function of the fetus.

A Patient Who Is 28 Weeks Pregnant Is Demonstrating Signs