A nurse is providing care for a client who is in preterm labor at 32 weeks of gestation.

Which medication should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe to accelerate fetal lung maturity?

Choice D rationale
The client is experiencing the first stage, latent phase of labor. This phase is characterized by contractions that are typically mild and irregular, occurring every 5-30 minutes and lasting about 30-45 seconds. The cervix dilates from 0 to 3 cm and effaces from 0% to 40%. The fetus descends into the pelvis, but is not yet engaged. The client may feel excited and anxious as labor begins.
Choice A rationale
The first stage, active phase of labor is characterized by regular, strong contractions occurring every 3-5 minutes and lasting about 40-70 seconds. The cervix dilates from 4 to 7 cm and effaces from 40% to 100%. The fetus descends and engages in the pelvis. The client may feel increased discomfort and a strong urge to bear down.
Choice B rationale
The first stage, transition phase of labor is characterized by intense contractions occurring every 2-3 minutes and lasting about 45-90 seconds. The cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm and effaces from 100%. The fetus descends and engages in the pelvis. The client may feel overwhelmed, restless, and irritable.
Choice C rationale
The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the delivery of the baby. The contractions are strong, occurring every 2-3 minutes and lasting about 45-90 seconds. The client feels a strong urge to push during contractions.

Choice A rationale
Intravenous fluids (IVF) at maintenance rate is anticipated for the client. Dehydration can increase the viscosity of the blood and promote sickling in clients with sickle cell disease. Therefore, maintaining hydration is crucial in managing sickle cell crises.
Choice B rationale
Meperidine IV for pain is contraindicated for the client. Meperidine has been associated with a higher risk of seizures, especially in clients with kidney dysfunction, which can occur in sickle cell disease due to sickling in the renal vasculature.
Choice C rationale
Ice packs to the affected area for 15 min on/15 min off is nonessential for the client. While cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb pain, it can also lead to vasoconstriction, which can potentially exacerbate sickling. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to use warm compresses rather than ice packs in clients with sickle cell disease.
Choice D rationale
Oxygen 2 L/min via nasal cannula is anticipated for the client. Hypoxia can trigger sickling in clients with sickle cell disease, so oxygen therapy is often used to increase oxygen saturation and reduce the risk of sickling.