Which medication is anticipated to be given to a client in preterm labor to stimulate fetal lung maturation?

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Multiple Choice

Which medication is anticipated to be given to a client in preterm labor to stimulate fetal lung maturation?

Glucocorticoids given to the mother during preterm labor speed up fetal lung maturation by increasing surfactant production in the fetus. Betamethasone is the agent of choice for this purpose. It is given as two intramuscular doses (commonly 12 mg each) 24 hours apart when preterm delivery is anticipated, typically before 34 weeks, to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other lung-related complications after birth. The other medications have different roles: magnesium sulfate is used for fetal neuroprotection and can delay labor, tocolytics like terbutaline stop contractions, and methotrexate is not used to promote lung maturation.

Glucocorticoids given to the mother during preterm labor speed up fetal lung maturation by increasing surfactant production in the fetus. Betamethasone is the agent of choice for this purpose. It is given as two intramuscular doses (commonly 12 mg each) 24 hours apart when preterm delivery is anticipated, typically before 34 weeks, to reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other lung-related complications after birth. The other medications have different roles: magnesium sulfate is used for fetal neuroprotection and can delay labor, tocolytics like terbutaline stop contractions, and methotrexate is not used to promote lung maturation.

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