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

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.

A. History of urinary tract infections B. Maternal age of 25 years C. Singleton pregnancy D. Cervical length of 3 cm

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

History of urinary tract infections.According to the Mayo Clinic, untreated vaginal infections, such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections, are risk factors for preterm labor.

These infections can cause inflammation and irritation of the cervix, which can trigger contractions and cervical dilation.

Choice B is wrong because maternal age of 25 years is not a risk factor for preterm labor.In fact, women younger than 18 or older than 35 are more likely to have a preterm delivery.

Choice C is wrong because singleton pregnancy is not a risk factor for preterm labor.On the contrary, being pregnant with twins, triplets, or more (called "multiple gestations") is associated with a higher risk of preterm labor and birth.

Choice D is wrong because cervical length of 3 cm is not a risk factor for preterm labor.A short cervix (less than 2.5 cm) or a cervix that shortens in the second trimester instead of the third trimester is a risk factor for preterm delivery.A normal cervical length ranges from 3 to 5 cm during pregnancy.

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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 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

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following findings is a risk factor for pre-term labor?

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?

A nurse is assessing a pre-term newborn who was born at 28 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings indicates a possible diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

A nurse is evaluating the fetal heart rate tracing of a client who is in pre-term labor and receiving magnesium sulfate. The nurse should identify that which of the following patterns indicates a potential adverse effect of the medication on the fetus?

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?

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 27 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor about the signs and symptoms of true labor versus false labor. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

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 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 administering terbutaline to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?

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: