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

Prepare for an emergency cesarean section.This is because the client has pre-term labor that has not responded to tocolytic therapy, which are drugs that are used to delay delivery for a short time.The client’s cervix is dilated to 4 cm and she is experiencing regular contractions every 3 minutes, which are signs of active labor.The baby is at 33 weeks of gestation, which is premature and may have complications such as respiratory distress syndrome or bleeding in the brain.

Therefore, the client needs an emergency cesarean section to deliver the baby as soon as possible and prevent further risks.

Choice A is wrong because administering magnesium sulfate intravenously is a type of tocolytic therapy that the client has already failed.Magnesium sulfate may also have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, headache, and muscle weakness.

Choice C is wrong because placing the client in Trendelenburg position, which is lying on the back with the feet elevated above the head, is not recommended for preterm labor.This position may increase the risk of aspiration, decrease cardiac output, and impair gas exchange.

Choice D is wrong because administering antibiotics prophylactically is not indicated for preterm labor unless there is evidence of infection in the uterus or membranes.

Antibiotics may also cause allergic reactions or bacterial resistance

A. Indomethacin B. Prostaglandin E1 C. Furosemide D. Digoxin

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps close the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting two arteries of the heart (aorta and pulmonary artery) in fetus.This drug is effective only among premature babies.

Choice B.Prostaglandin E1 is wrong because it is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open in some congenital heart defects that require surgery.

Choice C.Furosemide is wrong because it is a diuretic that reduces fluid retention and blood pressure, but does not affect the ductus arteriosus.

Choice D.Digoxin is wrong because it is a cardiac glycoside that strengthens the heart muscle contractions and regulates the heart rhythm, but does not affect the ductus arteriosus.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a pre-term newborn who has a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer to close the ductus arteriosus?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who is in pre-term labor and receiving magnesium sulfate therapy. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of magnesium sulfate?

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?