A client at 28 weeks of gestation is experiencing pre-term labor.
Which intervention should the nurse anticipate to enhance fetal lung maturity?
Administering intravenous fluids
Administering tocolytics
Administering corticosteroids
Providing emotional support
The Correct Answer is C
Administering corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are drugs that can speed up the development of the baby’s lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications of preterm birth. They are usually given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery between 24 0/7 weeks and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation.
Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not enhance fetal lung maturity.
It may be used to treat dehydration or prevent hypotension, but it has no effect on the baby’s lungs.
Choice B is wrong because administering tocolytics does not enhance fetal lung maturity.
Tocolytics are drugs that can delay preterm labor for a short time, but they do not improve the baby’s lung function.
Choice D is wrong because providing emotional support does not enhance fetal lung maturity.
It may help the mother cope with stress and anxiety, but it does not affect the baby’s lungs.
Fetal lung maturity is the condition of the baby’s lungs being able to breathe normally after birth. It involves several developmental processes, such as the formation of alveoli, bronchi, and surfactant.
Fetal lungs are usually mature by 36 weeks of gestation, but some babies may need steroids to speed up lung development if they are at risk of preterm birth.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Administering tocolytics.Tocolytics are drugs that inhibit uterine contractions and can delay preterm labor for a short time.This can allow time for the administration of corticosteroids and transfer to a tertiary care facility if necessary.
Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not reduce uterine activity.It may be used to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, which can be risk factors for preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because administering corticosteroids does not reduce uterine activity.It may be used to enhance fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Choice D is wrong because administering antibiotics does not reduce uterine activity.It may be used to treat infections that can trigger preterm labor, such as bacterial vaginosis or chorioamnionitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Administering tocolytics.Tocolytics are drugs that inhibit uterine contractions and can delay preterm labor for a short time.This can allow time for the administration of antenatal corticosteroids and transfer to a tertiary care facility if necessary.
Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.It may also increase the risk of pulmonary edema in women with preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because administering corticosteroids does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.Corticosteroids are given to enhance fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal complications such as respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
However, they do not stop preterm labor.
Choice D is wrong because providing emotional support does not improve blood flow to the placenta and fetus.Emotional support is important for women with preterm labor, but it is not a priority intervention to prevent fetal hypoxia or acidosis.
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