A client in preterm labor is managed with terbutaline.
Which will a nurse need to consider in planning care for this client?
A.
Once the client’s intravenous terbutaline is discontinued, she will be taught to self-administer the drug parenterally.
B.
The administration route of terbutaline will be changed from intravenous to oral.
C.
The client will remain in a private room without visitors until she has been without contractions for 48 hours.
D.
After 12 hours without contractions, the client will ambulate in the hallway.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. The administration route of terbutaline will be changed from intravenous to oral.
Explanation:
Terbutaline is a beta-agonist medication commonly used as a tocolytic to manage preterm labor. It helps relax the uterine muscles, thereby reducing contractions. When a client is receiving terbutaline intravenously, the goal is to control contractions effectively while monitoring for side effects, which can include increased heart rate, palpitations, and potential maternal and fetal effects.
Once the client’s contractions are well managed and stabilized, it is often appropriate to transition from intravenous administration to oral terbutaline. This change is beneficial for several reasons. First, it allows for more mobility and comfort for the client, which is crucial for her overall well-being. Second, transitioning to oral medication may facilitate discharge planning and continuity of care once the client is stabilized, as she can continue the treatment at home if needed.
Option A is incorrect because self-administration of parenteral terbutaline is not typically taught; oral administration is the standard approach post-intravenous therapy. Option C is not ideal since clients may not need to remain isolated without visitors once stabilized. Encouraging some social support can enhance mental well-being. Lastly, option D is not appropriate; while ambulation is generally encouraged in stable patients, it would typically only be considered after a more extended period without contractions and with careful monitoring, often longer than 12 hours depending on individual clinical situations.
In summary, transitioning from intravenous to oral terbutaline reflects the clinical management plan aimed at both effective treatment and enhancing the patient’s quality of care, making option B the most appropriate choice.