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?

Hypotension

Tachycardia

Hyperglycemia

Hypokalemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Tachycardia.

Terbutaline is a medication that can be used to stop or delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterine muscles. However, it can also cause serious side effects for both the mother and the baby. One of the most common side effects of terbutaline is tachycardia, which means a fast or irregular heartbeat. This can lead to chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and even cardiac arrhythmias or ischemia.

Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mother’s heart rate and rhythm closely when administering terbutaline.

Choice A is wrong because terbutaline does not cause hypotension, which means low blood pressure. In fact, terbutaline can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

Choice C is wrong because terbutaline does not cause hyperglycemia, which means high blood sugar. However, terbutaline can interfere with insulin secretion and glucose metabolism in some cases, especially in diabetic mothers.

Therefore, the nurse should monitor the mother’s blood sugar levels when administering terbutaline.

Choice D is wrong because terbutaline does not cause hypokalemia, which means low potassium levels in the blood. However, terbutaline can cause a temporary increase in potassium levels in the baby, which can affect the baby’s heart function.

Therefore, the nurse should monitor the baby’s heart rate and rhythm when administering terbutaline.

Normal ranges for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults and 120 to 160 beats per minute for fetuses.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are typically between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

It will increase fetal lung maturity.

Betamethasone is a type of corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation.It helps to improve neonatal outcomes by reducing the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications.Betamethasone works by stimulating the production and release of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing when the baby breathes.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not affect maternal blood pressure.

Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce uterine contractions.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent neonatal infection.

A. To suppress uterine contractions B. To prevent infection C. To promote fetal lung maturity D. To reduce maternal blood pressure

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

To promote fetal lung maturity.Betamethasone (Celestone) is a type of corticosteroid that can help reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants by accelerating the development of their lungs.It is recommended for pregnant women between 24 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not suppress uterine contractions.

It has no effect on the cause of preterm labor.

Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection.

It may actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce maternal blood pressure.

It may actually cause hypertension and hyperglycemia as side effects.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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?