A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.

What is the purpose of this medication?

The client should not limit their physical activity and rest as much as possible, unless advised by their provider.Excessive rest and inactivity can increase the risk of blood clots and decrease blood circulation, which can affect the placenta and the fetus.The client should follow the recommended guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy, unless they have a medical condition that requires bed rest or reduced activity.

Choice A is wrong because smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy are known risk factors for preterm labor and birth.Smoking can reduce blood flow to the placenta and affect fetal growth and development, while alcohol can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other complications.

Choice B is wrong because reporting any vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage to the provider is important to prevent or treat preterm labor and birth.Bleeding can indicate placenta previa or placental abruption, which are serious conditions that can cause premature delivery or fetal distress.Fluid leakage can indicate rupture of membranes, which can increase the risk of infection and preterm labor.

Choice D is wrong because drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet are beneficial for the health of the mother and the fetus.Dehydration can cause uterine contractions and trigger preterm labor, while malnutrition can affect fetal growth and development.A balanced diet can also help prevent or manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and anemia, which are risk factors for preterm labor and birth.

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps close the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting two arteries of the heart (aorta and pulmonary artery) in fetus.This drug is effective only among premature babies.

Choice B.Prostaglandin E1 is wrong because it is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open in some congenital heart defects that require surgery.

Choice C.Furosemide is wrong because it is a diuretic that reduces fluid retention and blood pressure, but does not affect the ductus arteriosus.

Choice D.Digoxin is wrong because it is a cardiac glycoside that strengthens the heart muscle contractions and regulates the heart rhythm, but does not affect the ductus arteriosus.