What class of drugs might be prescribed to a client at 31 weeks' gestation admitted in preterm labor?

The correct choice for a client at 31 weeks' gestation who is admitted for preterm labor is the class of beta-adrenergic agents. These medications are often used as tocolytics, which are drugs that help to suppress premature contractions and delay labor. By stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors, these agents promote relaxation of the uterine smooth muscle, which can help to prevent early delivery and provide additional time for fetal development.

In the context of preterm labor, tocolytics play a crucial role in managing the situation by allowing for interventions such as corticosteroid administration, which further helps in fetal lung maturation. Therefore, beta-adrenergic agents are a primary choice in the management of preterm labor, particularly when the goal is to extend the pregnancy as much as possible for neonatal benefit.

Other classes of drugs listed do not serve this primary purpose. Antibiotics may be used if there is an infection suspected contributing to preterm labor, opioids may be used for pain management, and antidepressants are not typically relevant in the immediate management of labor. Each of these other classes has specific indications that do not directly address the need to suppress uterine contractions in preterm labor as effectively as beta-adrenergic agents do.