Maternal & Newborn Nursing
A woman is at 30 weeks gestational age admitted to antenatal with premature rupture of membrane.
The nurse administered Dexamethasone to her according to doctor's prescription. She asks what the drug is for. Which of the following is the best answer?
Explanation
Core Concept: Antenatal corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone or betamethasone) are administered to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery (typically between 24 and 34 weeks) to accelerate fetal organ development.
Clinical Presentation:
- Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) or preterm labor.
Diagnosis:
- *First-line:* Clinical diagnosis of PROM (sterile speculum exam showing pooling, positive nitrazine/fern test).
- *Gold Standard:* Ultrasound to confirm gestational age and fetal well-being.
Management:
- *Acute:* Administer IM corticosteroids to *promote fetal lung maturation* by stimulating the production of surfactant, significantly reducing the risk of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), intraventricular hemorrhage, and neonatal mortality.
- *Definitive:* Monitor for signs of infection (chorioamnionitis) and manage preterm delivery in a NICU-equipped facility.