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 D

Explanation

“I will call my doctor if I have more than four contractions in an hour.” This statement indicates that the client understands the signs of preterm labor and when to seek medical attention.Preterm labor is defined as having regular contractions and cervical changes before 37 weeks of gestation.More than four contractions in an hour may indicate that preterm labor is occurring and requires prompt evaluation.

Choice A is wrong because drinking at least eight glasses of water every day is not a specific instruction for preventing preterm labor.However, dehydration can trigger contractions and should be avoided.

Choice B is wrong because lying on the back with a pillow under the knees can reduce blood flow to the uterus and the baby.This position can also increase the risk of blood clots in the legs.A better position is lying on the left side, which improves circulation and reduces pressure on the cervix.

Choice C is wrong because avoiding sexual intercourse until reaching term is not necessary for most women with a history of preterm labor.Sexual activity does not cause preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (PROM).However, some women may be advised to abstain from sex if they have certain conditions, such as placenta previa or a short cervix.

A. Tachycardia B. Hypotension C. Hyperglycemia D. Hypokalemia

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Terbutaline can cause low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias.

This is a potential adverse effect of the medication that should be reported to the provider.

Choice A is wrong because tachycardia is a common side effect of terbutaline that does not usually require medical attention.

Terbutaline works by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors, which can increase the heart rate.

Choice B is wrong because hypotension is not a typical side effect of terbutaline.Terbutaline can actually cause elevated blood pressure in some cases.

Choice C is wrong because hyperglycemia is not a common side effect of terbutaline.Terbutaline can cause transient hyperglycemia in pregnant women, but this is not a reason to stop the medication.

Normal ranges for potassium are 3.5-5.0 mEq/L and for blood glucose are 70-110 mg/dL.

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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 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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving terbutaline for pre-term labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a potential adverse effect of the medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing pre-term labor at 32 weeks of gestation and has been prescribed betamethasone. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse expect from this medication?

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A nurse is assessing a client for pre-term labor. Which assessment finding would be most concerning and require immediate intervention?

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 reviewing the medication history of a client who is in pre-term labor and has a history of peptic ulcer disease. The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications is contraindicated for this client?

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:

A client at 30 weeks of gestation is experiencing pre-term labor. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate to suppress uterine contractions?

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: