A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation.

The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to:

Reduce inflammation in the uterus

Enhance fetal lung maturity

Prevent infection in the amniotic fluid

Increase blood flow to the placenta

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity. Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing when the baby breathes. This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce inflammation in the uterus.

Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection in the amniotic fluid.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood flow to the placenta.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended for women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, and may be considered for women at 23 weeks of gestation or between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation depending on the clinical scenario.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Instruct the client to empty her bladder.This is because a full bladder can interfere with the insertion of the needle and increase the risk of injury to the bladder or the uterus.Emptying the bladder also reduces discomfort during the procedure.

Choice A is wrong because administering tocolytic medication to stop contractions is not necessary before amniocentesis.Tocolytic medication can have side effects and should only be used when there is a clear indication of preterm labor.

Choice C is wrong because obtaining informed consent from the client is not a nursing action, but a medical one.The nurse can assist in providing information and answering questions, but the final consent should be obtained by the doctor who will perform the procedure.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring fetal heart rate and activity is not a specific action before amniocentesis, but a routine part of prenatal care.Fetal heart rate and activity can be affected by many factors, such as maternal position, fetal sleep cycle, or maternal blood sugar level.

Monitoring them before amniocentesis does not provide any useful information for the procedure.

A. Decreased frequency and intensity of contractions B. Increased cervical dilation and effacement C. Increased amount and color of vaginal discharge D. Decreased fetal heart rate variability

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Decreased frequency and intensity of contractions indicates that the client’s condition is improving.Preterm labor occurs when regular contractions result in the opening of your cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

If preterm labor can’t be stopped, your baby will be born early and may have health problems.

Choice B is wrong because increased cervical dilation and effacement means that the cervix is thinning and opening more, which are signs of labor progression.

Choice C is wrong because increased amount and color of vaginal discharge may indicate infection, bleeding, or rupture of membranes, which are complications of preterm labor.

Choice D is wrong because decreased fetal heart rate variability means that the baby’s heart rate is not changing much, which may indicate fetal distress or hypoxia.A normal fetal heart rate variability is between 6 and 25 beats per minute.

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A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to perform an amniocentesis on a client who is at 27 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before the procedure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is evaluating a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following findings indicates that the client’s condition is improving?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing education to a client and her partner about pre-term labor. Which intervention should the nurse include in the teaching plan to address possible outcomes and complications?

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A nurse is evaluating the understanding of a client who is at risk for pre-term labor and has been instructed to perform daily home uterine activity monitoring (HUAM). Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

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A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation.

The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to: