A nurse is caring for a pregnant client at 30 weeks gestation who is being evaluated for preterm labor. The provider orders terbutaline to help suppress uterine contractions. The nurse understands that terbutaline belongs to which medication class and what is its primary mechanism of action in this context?
- A beta-2 agonist bronchodilator that relaxes uterine smooth muscle to inhibit contractions
- An anticoagulant that improves uteroplacental blood flow and halts preterm labor
- A vasodilator that lowers maternal blood pressure and indirectly reduces uterine tone
- A diuretic that reduces fluid overload and decreases uterine irritability