The Outcomes of Antenatal Nursing Care for Pregnant Women Receiving Tocolytic Therapy with Terbutaline for Preterm Labor Inhibition in the Labor Room Unit at Srinagarind Hospital

Authors

  • Laddaporn Chintong Labor room, Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing Department, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Mueang District, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40002
  • Nittaya Panphe Labor room, Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing Department, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Mueang District, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40002
  • Pornapa Boontasaeng Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing Department, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Mueang District, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40002
  • Kiattisak Kongwattanakul Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Mueang District, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40002

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64960/srimedj.v41i5.271662

Keywords:

antenatal nursing care, pre-term labor inhibition, terbutaline

Abstract

Background  and  objectives:  Preterm  birth  is  a  major  cause  of  perinatal  mortality  and  infant  morbidity.  Terbutaline  is  an  important  medication  used  to suppress  preterm  labor.  This  study  aimed  to  evaluate  the  outcomes of antenatal nursing care among pregnant women receiving terbutaline for the suppression of preterm labor, focusing on the medication administration process, adverse effects, and duration of treatment.

Methods:  This retrospective descriptive study collected data from the medical records of pregnant women who  received  inpatient  terbutaline  therapy  between January  1,  2024,  and  December  31,  2025.  Data  were  gathered  using  a  four-part  data  collection  form  with  established  content  validity  (IOC  =  1.00).  Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used for data analysis.

Results:  A total of 163 cases were included in the study. Most participants were multiparous (53.37%), had no previous history of preterm labor (90.18%), and were at a gestational age of 28–31 weeks (30.06%). Regarding medication  administration,  nurses  demonstrated  complete  adherence  (100%)  to  13  of  the  14  medication administration steps. The only step with lower compliance was attaching the medication dosage label, which achieved  a  compliance  rate  of  84.66%.  The  most common  adverse  effects  were  palpitations,  fatigue,  and  maternal and fetal tachycardia. The most frequent duration of terbutaline administration was 2 days (19.02%), followed by more than 7 days and 1 day, respectively.

Conclusion:  Continuous  nursing  care  and  monitoring  of  medication  administration  contribute  to  effectivemedication  management.  However,  communication regarding  medication  dosage  among  members  of  the  multidisciplinary team requires improvement. Patients receiving continuous terbutaline therapy for more than 72 hours should be closely monitored to prevent serious complications.

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Published

2026-10-23

How to Cite

1.
Chintong L, Panphe N, Boontasaeng P, Kongwattanakul K. The Outcomes of Antenatal Nursing Care for Pregnant Women Receiving Tocolytic Therapy with Terbutaline for Preterm Labor Inhibition in the Labor Room Unit at Srinagarind Hospital. SRIMEDJ [internet]. 2026 Oct. 23 [cited 2026 Oct. 27];41(5):637-4. available from: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SRIMEDJ/article/view/271662

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