Which action signals corticosteroid use for fetal lung maturity in preterm labor management?

Which action signals corticosteroid use for fetal lung maturity in preterm labor management?

• A. Admit the client for further evaluation and treatment
• B. Lactated Ringer's at 150 mL/hr via continuous IV infusion
• C. Administer betamethasone 12 mg IM now
• D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter and measure hourly output

Answer: (C)

Initiating antenatal corticosteroid therapy is the action that signals aiming for fetal lung maturity. Administering betamethasone intramuscularly is the standard approach when preterm birth is anticipated within about a week and the pregnancy is before 34 weeks. This treatment speeds up the fetus’s production of surfactant, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and improving other neonatal outcomes. The typical regimen is 12 mg given IM, with a second dose 24 hours later for a total course that supports lung development within the preterm period. Other actions, like admitting for evaluation, giving IV fluids, or catheterization, address monitoring or fluid management and do not indicate corticosteroid use.

Initiating antenatal corticosteroid therapy is the action that signals aiming for fetal lung maturity. Administering betamethasone intramuscularly is the standard approach when preterm birth is anticipated within about a week and the pregnancy is before 34 weeks. This treatment speeds up the fetus’s production of surfactant, reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and improving other neonatal outcomes. The typical regimen is 12 mg given IM, with a second dose 24 hours later for a total course that supports lung development within the preterm period. Other actions, like admitting for evaluation, giving IV fluids, or catheterization, address monitoring or fluid management and do not indicate corticosteroid use.