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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Drinking enough water can help prevent dehydration, which can trigger preterm labor contractions.Dehydration can also cause low amniotic fluid levels, which can affect fetal growth and development.
Choice A is wrong because avoiding sexual intercourse until term is not necessary for most women at risk for preterm labor.Sexual activity does not cause preterm labor unless there are other complications, such as placenta previa or cervical insufficiency.
Choice C is wrong because lying down when feeling contractions may not stop preterm labor.If a woman has regular contractions that cause cervical change, she should seek medical attention as soon as possible.Lying down may also reduce blood flow to the uterus and placenta, which can affect fetal oxygenation.
Choice D is wrong because taking aspirin for pelvic pain is not recommended for pregnant women.Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding and affect fetal blood circulation.
Pelvic pain may be a sign of preterm labor or other complications, so it should be evaluated by a health care provider
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Nitrazine paper test.
This test involves putting a drop of fluid obtained from the vagina onto paper strips containing nitrazine dye.
The strips change color depending on the pH of the fluid.The strips will turn blue if the pH is greater than 6.0, which indicates the presence of amniotic fluid.This test can help confirm rupture of membranes (ROM) in pregnancy, especially when preterm labor is suspected.
Choice B. Ferning test.This test involves examining a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope and looking for a fern-like pattern that is formed by dried amniotic fluid crystals.This test can also help confirm ROM, but it is less reliable than the nitrazine test because other substances such as cervical mucus, semen, or blood can also cause ferning.
Choice C. Amniotic fluid index.This test involves measuring the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus using ultrasound.This test can help assess the fetal well-being and detect conditions such as oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid) or polyhydramnios (high amniotic fluid).This test cannot confirm ROM by itself, but it can be used in combination with other tests to evaluate the status of the pregnancy.
Choice D. Biophysical profile.This test involves using ultrasound and a fetal monitor to assess the fetal heart rate, breathing, movement, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume.
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