With regard to the use of tocolytic therapy to suppress uterine activity, nurses should be aware that:

Its most important function is to afford the opportunity to administer antenatal glucocorticoids.

The drugs can be given safely up to 37 weeks gestation.

If the client develops pulmonary edema while on tocolytics, intravenous fluids should be given.

There are no important maternal (as opposed to fetal) contraindications.