The nurse should monitor closely for signs of fetal or maternal distress, and provide comprehensive supportive care for patients with preterm labor. Here are six (6) nursing care plans and nursing diagnosis for preterm labor: Anxiety Activity Intolerance
Full Answer
What should a nurse do if a patient has preterm labor?
The nurse should monitor closely for signs of fetal or maternal distress, and provide comprehensive supportive care for patients with preterm labor. Here are six (6) nursing care plans and nursing diagnosis for preterm labor: 1. Anxiety 1. Anxiety
What medication will the nurse prescribe a client in preterm labor?
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? Fentanyl (Sublimaze).
What is included in the management of preterm labor?
Management involves suppression of preterm labor when tests show immature fetal pulmonary development, cervical dilation is less than 4 cm and the absence of factors that contraindicate continuation of pregnancy.
How can preterm labor be prevented from progressing?
To prevent preterm labor from progressing, drugs are usually prescribed to halt the labor. The drugs commonly given are: 8. Which of the following best describes preterm labor? Labor that begins after 20 weeks gestation and before 37 weeks gestation
What is brethine used for in labor?
Doctors may try to stop or delay preterm labor by administering a medication called terbutaline (Brethine). Terbutaline is in a class of drugs called betamimetics. They help prevent and slow contractions of the uterus. It may help delay birth for several hours or days.
What can I monitor with brethine?
Use Caution/Monitor. terbutaline and dopamine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. dopexamine and terbutaline both decrease serum potassium.
How do you prepare for preterm labor?
6 Things Every Expectant Parent Should Do to Prepare for Preterm BirthAsk Questions. ... Learn the Signs of Preterm Labor & Have a Backup Plan. ... Go by the NICU in the hospital where you expect to deliver. ... Educate yourself. ... Learn About Support Groups. ... Pick up a few books on the subject.
How is brethine administered?
Treatment with terbutaline administered by injection or by continuous infusion pump should not be used beyond 48 to 72 hours. In particular, injectable terbutaline should not be used in the outpatient or home setting.
What should you assess before administering terbutaline?
Assess heart rate, ECG, and heart sounds, especially during exercise (See Appendices G, H). Report a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or signs of other arrhythmias, including palpitations, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fainting, and fatigue/weakness.
What should I watch with terbutaline?
Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have more than one of the following symptoms: convulsions; decreased urine; dry mouth; increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; mood changes; muscle pain or cramps; nausea or vomiting; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; shortness of ...
What drugs are used to stop premature labor contractions?
Drugs called tocolytics (pronounced toh-coh-LIT-iks) can be given to many women with symptoms of preterm labor. These drugs can slow or stop contractions of the uterus and may prevent labor for 2 to 7 days.
How can you reduce the risk of preterm labor?
Ways of Preventing or Reducing the Risk of Premature BirthAvoid tobacco, smoking, e-cigarettes, and second hand smoke.Don't drink alcohol while trying to get pregnant and during pregnancy.Don't use street drugs and avoid misuse of prescription drugs.Eat a balanced diet with foods containing iron and folic acid.More items...
Which drugs would the nurse anticipate administering for Tocolysis during preterm labor?
The most common tocolytic agents used for the treatment of preterm labor are magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), indomethacin, and nifedipine.
When is terbutaline given in pregnancy?
This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Treatment of Premature Labor: -In some countries, the IV infusion is approved to arrest labor between 22 and 37 weeks of gestation in patients with no medical or obstetric contraindication to tocolytic therapy.
Where do you give terbutaline?
This medication is given by injection under the skin, usually in the shoulder/upper arm area as directed by your doctor. Do not use more than 0.5 milligrams of this medication over a 4-hour period.
What is the role of terbutaline?
Terbutaline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Terbutaline is in a class of medications called beta agonists. It works by relaxing and opening the airways, making it easier to breathe.
For the mother
Since terbutaline is related to hormones released in the fight-or-flight response, a woman may experience the same effects when taking terbutaline as she does when under stress. Many women experience:
For the baby
Terbutaline can cause a temporary increase in the baby’s heart rate and blood sugar levels. These side effects usually aren’t serious and are easy to treat after delivery if they occur. There are concerns about long term use of this drug because the incidence of danger to the baby increases.
What is the management of preterm labor?
Management involves suppression of preterm labor when tests show immature fetal pulmonary development, cervical dilation is less than 4 cm and the absence of factors that contraindicate continuation of pregnancy.
When does preterm labor occur?
It usually occurs between the 20th and 37th weeks of gestation.
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Risks
Prognosis
- If preterm labor isnt stopped, the baby will be born early, or prematurely. Premature babies often need additional care after birth. They sometimes have long-term health problems that can affect their entire lives. The earlier in pregnancy a baby is born, the more likely they are to have complications, the most serious of which is not being able to breathe on their own.
Treatment
- Doctors may try to stop or delay preterm labor by administering a medication called terbutaline (Brethine). Terbutaline is in a class of drugs called betamimetics. They help prevent and slow contractions of the uterus. It may help delay birth for several hours or days. During that period, doctors can administer other drugs to help ensure the baby i...
Administration
- Terbutaline can be given subcutaneously, which means injected into the skin, or intravenously (IV), which means given through a vein. The usual dose of terbutaline is 0.25 milligrams (mg). Its usually injected into the shoulder or given through a vein in the arm. If there isnt a significant decrease in contractions within 15 to 30 minutes, a second dose of 0.25 mg may be administere…
Contraindications
- Terbutaline was prescribed as an oral medication in past years, but this form of the drug was discontinued due to dangerous side effects and safety concerns. Oral terbutaline should no longer be taken. Long term (more than 72 hours) of terbutaline is no longer recommended. Continual heart monitoring is standard practice. Its also important to note that terbutaline should never be …
Causes
- Terbutaline is derived from a hormone called epinephrine, which is released when someone is under stress. This response is part of the fight-or-flight response. Stress causes many of the muscles in the body to contract so that a person is ready to respond quickly. However, there are certain muscles that relax instead of contracting during times of stress. Smooth muscle is one t…
Results
- Women respond differently to terbutaline, so its effects and how long they last vary from one woman to another. When you have a good response to terbutaline, the drug reduces the number and frequency of contractions. This can help delay delivery for several hours, depending on how quickly the medication is received.
Benefits
- Although this may not seem like a lot of time, when terbutaline is administered along with steroids, it can significantly lower the risk for health problems in the baby. After 48 hours, steroids can improve a baby's lung function and increase their chances of living, reduce their chances of long term health problems, and reduce their length of stay in a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
Adverse effects
- The use of terbutaline may be successful in treating preterm labor. However, it does come with some risks to the mother and the baby.
Effects
- Since terbutaline is related to hormones released in the fight-or-flight response, a woman may experience the same effects when taking terbutaline as she does when under stress. Many women experience:
Side effects
- Terbutaline can cause a temporary increase in the babys heart rate and blood sugar levels. These side effects usually arent serious and are easy to treat after delivery if they occur. There are concerns about long term use of this drug because the incidence of danger to the baby increases.