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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

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

A. Regular uterine contractions occurring every 15 minutes B. Low back pain and pelvic pressure C. Change in vaginal discharge D. Rupture of membranes

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Regular uterine contractions occurring every 15 minutes.

This finding suggests that the client may have placental abruption, which is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and fetal distress.

Choice B is wrong because low back pain and pelvic pressure are common symptoms of preterm labor, which is not as urgent as placental abruption.

Choice C is wrong because a change in vaginal discharge is not a specific sign of any complication and may be normal in pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because rupture of membranes is not a priority finding in this case, unless it is associated with infection or cord prolapse.

View Question and Answer

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

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 educating a client who is at risk for pre-term labor about measures to prevent it from occurring. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client at 28 weeks of gestation presents with bleeding from the vagina. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who is at risk for pre-term labor about the signs and symptoms to report to the provider. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate therapy for a client who is in pre-term labor. Which of the following findings indicates that the therapy is successful?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in pre-term labor. Which of the following maternal complications is most likely to occur due to prolonged bed rest?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for pre-term labor. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication?

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome?

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who had pre-term labor at 32 weeks of gestation and was prescribed bed rest at home. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. What is the purpose of this medication?

A nurse is assessing a pre-term newborn who has retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?

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: