1. The nurse is caring for a client in labor. The nurse reviews the physician’s prescriptions and notes that

the client has a prescription for butorphanol tartrate (Stadol). The nurse understands that this medication

is prescribed for:

1. Pain relief

2. Increasing uterine contractions

3. Decreasing uterine contractions

4. Promoting fetal lung maturity

ANS: 1

Rationale: The client in labor may be given parenteral analgesia during the first stage of labor, up to 2 to

3 hours before the anticipated delivery. Butorphanol tartrate is a medication that may be prescribed for

pain relief. “Increasing uterine contractions,” “decreasing uterine contractions,” and “promoting fetal

lung maturity” are not actions of this medication.