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 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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Creatinine clearance.
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and suppresses uterine contractions.However, it can also causerenal failurein the fetus and the mother by reducing renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the creatinine clearance, which is a measure of renal function, while the client is receiving this medication.
Choice A is wrong because indomethacin does not affect platelet count or coagulation.
Choice C is wrong because indomethacin does not affect liver function tests.
Choice D is wrong because indomethacin does not affect blood glucose levels.
Normal ranges for creatinine clearance are 88-128 mL/min for women and 97-137 mL/min for men.Normal ranges for platelet count are 150,000-450,000 cells/mm3.
Normal ranges for liver function tests vary depending on the specific test, but some common ones are: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 7-55 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 8-48 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 45-115 U/L, total bilirubin 0.1-1.2 mg/dL.
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.