NORCET -4 , 2023
Obstetrics and Midwifery Nursing
Easy
Which of the following medicine is used for fetal lung maturity?
Appeared in: NORCET -4 , 2023
Explanation
- Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid (corticosteroid) that is administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery.
- It crosses the placenta and accelerates the development of the fetal lungs by stimulating the production of surfactant by type II pneumocytes.
- Surfactant is a lipoprotein that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing during expiration.
- This action significantly reduces the incidence and severity of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage, and overall neonatal mortality in premature infants.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used as a tocolytic to suppress uterine contractions.
- Option C: Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist that also functions as a tocolytic agent by relaxing the uterine muscle.
- Option D: IFA stands for Iron and Folic Acid, which is a standard nutritional supplement in pregnancy.
Related Visual
- Visual 1: Diagram - Illustrating the mechanism of action of Betamethasone on fetal lung type II pneumocytes, showing the stimulation and release of surfactant into the alveoli.
- Visual 2: Infographic - Comparing the different uses of the four medications listed in the options during pregnancy (Betamethasone vs. Tocolytics vs. Supplements).
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacological intervention for promoting fetal lung maturity in threatened preterm labor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Timely administration of antenatal corticosteroids is a critical nursing responsibility in managing threatened preterm labor between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation. The full benefit is achieved when delivery is delayed for at least 24-48 hours after the first dose.
- Nurses must monitor for potential maternal side effects, such as hyperglycemia (especially in diabetic patients) and the masking of infection symptoms.
- Patient education is key. The nurse should explain the purpose of the medication (to help the baby's lungs) and the dosing schedule to ensure compliance and reduce parental anxiety.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the core question: It asks for a medication that promotes 'fetal lung maturity'.
- Next, analyze each option by recalling its drug class and primary indication in pregnancy.
- Option A, Betamethasone, is a corticosteroid. Recall that corticosteroids are known to accelerate fetal organ maturation, especially the lungs.
- Option B, Indomethacin, is an NSAID. Its primary use in obstetrics is as a tocolytic (to stop labor).
- Option C, Terbutaline, is a beta-agonist. It is also a tocolytic used to relax the uterus.
- Option D, IFA, is a nutritional supplement (Iron and Folic Acid) for preventing anemia and birth defects.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Pharmacological intervention for promoting fetal lung maturity in threatened preterm labor.
- Stem keywords: medicine, fetal lung maturity
- Lead-in keywords: Which
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
q72d1xhu-0Ogw7UaOOBLI
Practise the full NORCET -4 , 2023
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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