A nurse is administering corticosteroids to a client with severe pre-eclampsia who is 32 weeks pregnant.
What is the main purpose of giving corticosteroids to this client?
To reduce inflammation
To prevent infection
To accelerate fetal lung maturity
To increase platelet count
The Correct Answer is C
To accelerate fetal lung maturity. Corticosteroids are given to pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia who are at risk of preterm delivery to help the development of the fetus’s lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome.
This can improve the survival and health outcomes of the newborn.
Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in pre-eclampsia. They are used for other inflammatory conditions such as asthma or arthritis.
Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent infection in pre-eclampsia. They can actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.
Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not increase platelet count in pre-eclampsia. They can actually decrease the platelet count by causing thrombocytopenia.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Maintain a dark and quiet environment.This intervention helps to reduce sensory stimulation and prevent seizures in a client with eclampsia.
Choice A is wrong becausemonitoring fetal heart rate and uterine activity continuouslyis not a priority intervention for a client with eclampsia.The priority is to prevent seizures and control blood pressure.
Choice B is wrong becauseadministering oxytocin to augment laboris contraindicated in a client with eclampsia.Oxytocin can increase blood pressure and cause uterine hyperstimulation, which can worsen the condition and endanger the mother and the fetus.
Choice D is wrong becauseencouraging oral fluids and a high-protein dietis not appropriate for a client with eclampsia.
The client should be kept NPO to prevent aspiration in case of a seizure.A high-protein diet can increase the risk of renal failure and hepatic dysfunction.
Choice E is wrong becauseassessing for signs of placental abruptionis not a specific intervention for a client with eclampsia.Placental abruption can occur as a complication of eclampsia, but it is not the main focus of care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“This medication will help my baby’s lungs develop faster.” Corticosteroid therapy is given to pregnant clients with eclampsia to accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not lower blood pressure.Antihypertensive drugs such as hydralazine or labetalol are used to treat hypertension in eclampsia.
• Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent seizures.Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in eclampsia.
• Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in the body.They may have anti-inflammatory effects in some conditions, but their main purpose in eclampsia is to enhance fetal lung development.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 1+ on dipstick
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