A 30-week-gestation client admitted in preterm labor is prescribed betamethasone. What should the nurse tell the client is the purpose for this medication?

Betamethasone, a corticosteroid, is administered to increase the surfactant level and increase fetal lung maturity, reducing the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn infant. Surfactant production does not become stable until after 32 weeks' gestation. If adequate amounts of surfactant are not present in the lungs, respiratory distress and death are possible consequences. Delivery needs to be delayed for at least 48 hours after the administration of betamethasone in order to allow time for the lungs to mature. The remaining options are incorrect.