A patient is admitted to the obstetric unit in preterm labor at 36 weeks' gestation. The prescriber orders a tocolytic agent. When teaching the patient about this medication, the nurse will tell her that tocolytics:
A) are given until term to reduce fetal mortality.
B) are used to help the fetal lungs mature.
C) help delay delivery while glucocorticoids are given.
D) help treat the infections that cause preterm labor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tocolytic agents are used to postpone premature labor and, on average, for only 48 hours. During this time, glucocorticoids are given to help the fetal lungs mature. Tocolytic agents do not suppress labor long term. They do not directly help the fetal lungs to mature; they help by allowing time for glucocorticoids to be given. They do not treat infection.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Obstetric Unit in Preterm