A 28-year-old gravida 2 para 1 at 31 weeks' gestation presents to the emergency department with regular uterine contractions every 5 minutes and a cervical dilation of 2 cm. The obstetrician prescribes nifedipine as a tocolytic agent. What is the primary goal of administering this medication at this time?
To induce fetal lung maturity by directly stimulating surfactant production
To arrest uterine contractions until the pregnancy reaches term
To delay delivery for 24-48 hours so antenatal corticosteroids can be given and maternal transfer arranged
To prepare the uterus for immediate induction of labor and delivery
Tocolytic agents such as nifedipine are given in preterm labor to postpone delivery for roughly 24-48 hours. This brief delay permits administration of antenatal corticosteroids to enhance fetal lung maturity and, when needed, transfer of the mother to a facility equipped for preterm neonatal care. Tocolytics are not intended to maintain pregnancy until term, directly mature fetal lungs, or prepare the uterus for immediate induction.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What are tocolytics and how do they work?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Why is it important to delay delivery in cases of preterm labor?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are corticosteroids and why are they given during preterm labor?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CEN
Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynecology, and Obstetrical
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access