IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Easy
The steroid used in preterm labour helps in:
Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Explanation
- The primary indication for administering corticosteroids (like betamethasone) to a mother in preterm labor is to enhance fetal lung maturity.
- Steroids cross the placenta and stimulate the fetal lungs to produce surfactant, a substance essential for keeping the alveoli open after birth.
- This action directly reduces the incidence and severity of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), a common and serious complication in premature newborns.
- Studies show that a single course of antenatal corticosteroids also reduces rates of intraventricular hemorrhage and overall neonatal mortality in infants born between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: Steroids do not prevent neonatal jaundice. Jaundice is caused by the breakdown of red blood cells and the immature liver's inability to process bilirubin.
- Option B: Steroids are not used to prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH). PPH is primarily caused by uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract after delivery).
- Option D: Steroids are not the primary drug for preventing seizures in pregnancy. The main cause of seizures related to pregnancy is eclampsia.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological interventions in preterm labor, specifically the role of antenatal corticosteroids as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Timely administration of antenatal corticosteroids is a critical nursing intervention for any woman threatening preterm labor between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation. The full benefit is achieved if delivery can be delayed for at least 24-48 hours after the first dose.
- Nurses must be aware of the recommended dosage and administration schedule (e.g., Betamethasone 12 mg IM, two doses 24 hours apart).
- Patient education is key. The nurse should explain to the mother that the injection is not to stop labor but to help her baby's lungs develop better if born early.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the core components of the question: the drug class ('steroid') and the clinical situation ('preterm labour').
- Recall the primary goals of managing preterm labor. The main concern for the fetus is immaturity, especially of the lungs.
- Evaluate each option based on its physiological target. 'Reducing respiratory distress syndrome' directly addresses the problem of fetal lung immaturity.
- Eliminate the other options by recalling the correct treatments for those conditions: Jaundice is related to bilirubin, PPH is related to uterine contraction, and seizures (in this context) are related to eclampsia.
- Confirm that corticosteroids are the standard treatment for accelerating fetal lung maturation, making this the most logical and correct answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Pharmacological interventions in preterm labor, specifically the role of antenatal corticosteroids.
- Stem keywords: steroid, preterm labour
- Lead-in keywords: helps in
Question ID
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Reference Book
E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 6-11
E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 27-46
E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1089-1091
Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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