Tocolytics for Preterm Labor

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to: 1. Define preterm labor and identify candidates for tocolytic therapy. 2. Compare the mechanisms of action of nifedipine, terbutaline, indomethacin, and magnesium sulfate as tocolytics. 3. Prioritize nursing assessments and interventions for patients receiving tocolytic therapy. 4. Recognize signs of tocolytic toxicity and initiate appropriate emergency interventions. 5. Identify absolute and relative contraindications to each tocolytic agent. 6. Apply clinical judgment to distinguish expected effects from adverse effects requiring escalation.