A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is at risk for pre-term labor at 30 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following outcomes should the nurse monitor for in the newborn?
Increased surfactant production
Decreased risk of infection
Increased blood glucose levels
Decreased risk of bleeding
The Correct Answer is A
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm labor to improve neonatal outcomes. Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing after birth. This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, a common complication of preterm birth.
Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not decrease the risk of infection in the newborn. In fact, it may increase the risk of maternal and neonatal infections by suppressing the immune system.
Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood glucose levels in the newborn. However, it may cause transient hyperglycemia in the mother, which should be monitored and treated if necessary.
Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not decrease the risk of bleeding in the newborn. It may increase the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage, a type of bleeding in the brain, if given before 24 weeks of gestation. Therefore, it should be used with caution in this population and only after a family’s decision regarding resuscitation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
All of the above.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that affects preterm newborns who have immature lungs and lack sufficient surfactant.
Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the alveoli open and prevents them from collapsing.
Without enough surfactant, the newborn has difficulty breathing and may develop hypoxia and acidosis.
Choice A is wrong because tachypnea and grunting are signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.
Choice B is wrong because bradycardia and cyanosis are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or sepsis.
Choice C is wrong because apnea and nasal flaring are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as intracranial ...
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Corticosteroids are given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm labor to help mature the lungs of the fetus and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications.Corticosteroids also have a protective effect on the brain and reduce the risk of bleeding and cerebral palsy.
Choice A is wrong because administering intravenous fluids is not a specific intervention to address possible outcomes and complications of preterm labor.Intravenous fluids may be given to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, but they do not prevent or treat preterm labor.
Choice B is wrong because administering tocolytics is an intervention to delay preterm labor, not to address possible outcomes and complications.
Tocolytics are drugs that inhibit uterine contractions and prolong pregnancy for a short period of time, usually 24 to 48 hours, to allow for the administration of corticosteroids or the transfer of the mother to a facility with neonatal intensive care.
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