A client at 30 weeks of gestation is experiencing pre-term labor.
Which intervention should the nurse anticipate to suppress uterine contractions?
Administering intravenous fluids
Administering tocolytics
Administering corticosteroids
Administering antibiotics
The Correct Answer is B
Tocolytics are a category of drugs used to delay the labor process. These may be used in situations when a pregnant person begins showing signs of preterm labor —which is any time before 37 weeks of completed pregnancy. Tocolytics may help delay labor by two to seven days.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice A. Administering intravenous fluids.
This is not a correct answer because intravenous fluids are not effective in suppressing uterine contractions. They may be used to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, which can sometimes trigger preterm labor, but they are not a primary intervention for preterm labor.
• Choice C. Administering corticosteroids.
This is not a correct answer because corticosteroids are not tocolytics. They do not stop or slow down uterine contractions, but they help accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and other complications of prematurity.
Corticosteroids are often given along with tocolytics, but they have a different function and mechanism of action.
• Choice D. Administering antibiotics.
This is not a correct answer because antibiotics are not tocolytics. They may be used to treat infections that can cause or complicate preterm labor, such as chorioamnionitis or group B streptococcus, but they do not directly affect uterine contractions.
Antibiotics may be given along with tocolytics, but they have a different function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
History of urinary tract infections.According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated vaginal infections, such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections, are risk factors for preterm labor.
These infections can cause inflammation and irritation of the cervix, which can trigger contractions and cervical dilation.
Choice B is wrong because maternal age of 25 years is not a risk factor for preterm labor.In fact, women younger than 18 or older than 35 are more likely to have a preterm delivery.
Choice C is wrong because singleton pregnancy is not a risk factor for preterm labor.On the contrary, being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more (called "multiple gestations") is associated with a higher risk of preterm labor and birth.
Choice D is wrong because cervical length of 3 cm is not a risk factor for preterm labor.A short cervix (less than 2.5 cm) or a cervix that shortens in the second trimester instead of the third trimester is a risk factor for preterm delivery.A normal cervical length ranges from 3 to 5 cm during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“This medication can cause premature closure of your baby’s ductus arteriosus.”
Indomethacin is a NSAID that can prevent the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in preterm contractions.However, it can also cause constrictive effects on the fetal ductus arteriosus, which can lead to cardiac complications and oligohydramnios.The dosage and duration of indomethacin treatment should be carefully monitored.
Choice B is wrong because indomethacin does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.In fact, it may reduce the risk of bleeding by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Choice C is wrong because indomethacin does not cause jaundice in the baby.
Jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which can be due to various factors such as blood group incompatibility, infection, or liver problems.
Choice D is wrong because indomethacin does not increase blood pressure during labor.It may actually lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
Normal ranges for indomethacin dosage are 25 to 50 mg orally every 6 hours or 100 mg rectally every 12 hours for up to 48 hours.
Normal ranges for fetal ductus arteriosus diameter are 1.5 to 4 mm before 28 weeks of gestation and 1 to 3 mm after 28 weeks of gestation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.