The nurse explains to a patient in preterm labor that what may be ordered by the physician to accelerate fetal lung maturity?

A. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is used to stimulate uterine contractions and induce labor, but it does not affect fetal lung development or accelerate lung maturity. Its role is limited to labor management rather than promoting fetal organ maturation. B. Magnesium sulfate: Magnesium sulfate is primarily administered for neuroprotection in preterm infants and to prevent seizures in mothers with preeclampsia. It does not directly accelerate fetal lung maturity. C. Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are used to ripen the cervix or induce labor, but they do not influence fetal lung development. Their function is limited to promoting labor rather than enhancing fetal organ maturation. D. Corticosteroids: Administration of corticosteroids, such as betamethasone or dexamethasone, stimulates fetal surfactant production and accelerates lung maturation. This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.