Which of the following assessments should a nurse make prior to administering terbutaline sodium (Brethine) subcutaneously?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Urine output
• C. Body temperature
• D. Pulse oximetry

Answer: (A)

Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist used to relax uterine smooth muscle, but it can also stimulate the heart and cause tachycardia. Because of this, obtaining the baseline heart rate before administering the subcutaneous dose is essential to ensure the patient isn’t already tachycardic and to establish a reference for detecting any harmful increases after dosing. If the heart rate is elevated, the risk of significant tachycardia and related complications increases, and the dose may need to be withheld or reassessed.

Urine output, body temperature, and pulse oximetry are valuable for overall monitoring during therapy, but they do not provide the immediate safety signal needed before giving terbutaline.