Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 228

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A client in preterm labor (32 weeks) who is dilated to 5cm has been given magnesium sulfate and the contractions have stopped. If the labor can be delayed for the next 2 days, which of the following medication does the nurse expect that will be prescribed?

  

     A. fentanyl (Sublimaze)

     B. sufentanil (Sufenta)

     C. betamethasone (Celestone)

     D. butorphanol tartrate (Stadol)

    

    

Correct Answer: C. betamethasone (Celestone).

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Glucocorticoids such as betamethasone and dexamethasone are being used to increase the production of surfactant to aid in fetal lung maturation. It is being given to patients who are in preterm labor at 28-32 weeks of gestation if the labor can be stopped for 2 days.

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Option A, B, & D: These are opioid analgesics.

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