Which intervention is used to relax uterine contractions in preterm labor?

Which intervention is used to relax uterine contractions in preterm labor?

• A. Place the client in a left lateral position
• B. Obtain a blood sample for type and crossmatch
• C. Complete CBC
• D. Administer terbutaline 0.25 mg SQ

Answer: (D)

To relax uterine contractions in preterm labor, a tocolytic like terbutaline is used. Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist that mainly stimulates beta-2 receptors on uterine smooth muscle. This activation increases cyclic AMP, which lowers intracellular calcium and causes the myometrium to relax, slowing or stopping contractions. The typical subcutaneous dose is 0.25 mg, with care to monitor closely for effects. Watch for maternal side effects such as tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, hyperglycemia, or hypotension, and assess fetal status as contractions lessen. The other options don’t directly relax the uterus: placing the patient in a left lateral position improves placental blood flow but doesn’t stop contractions; drawing blood for type and crossmatch or completing a CBC are diagnostic/preparative steps, not therapeutic tocolysis.

To relax uterine contractions in preterm labor, a tocolytic like terbutaline is used. Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist that mainly stimulates beta-2 receptors on uterine smooth muscle. This activation increases cyclic AMP, which lowers intracellular calcium and causes the myometrium to relax, slowing or stopping contractions. The typical subcutaneous dose is 0.25 mg, with care to monitor closely for effects.

Watch for maternal side effects such as tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, hyperglycemia, or hypotension, and assess fetal status as contractions lessen. The other options don’t directly relax the uterus: placing the patient in a left lateral position improves placental blood flow but doesn’t stop contractions; drawing blood for type and crossmatch or completing a CBC are diagnostic/preparative steps, not therapeutic tocolysis.