A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor.
Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome?
Betamethasone
Magnesium sulfate
Nifedipine
Indomethacin
The Correct Answer is A
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity and prevent respiratory distress syndrome. It is usually given in two doses, 24 hours apart, and takes effect within 24 hours of administration.
Choice B. Magnesium sulfate is wrong because it is used to prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice C. Nifedipine is wrong because it is a calcium channel blocker that is used to inhibit uterine contractions and prolong pregnancy in women with preterm labor, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.
Choice D. Indomethacin is wrong because it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce uterine activity in women with preterm labor, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome. However, it can also cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus and should be avoided after 32 weeks of gestation.
Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.
Preterm labor is defined as regular uterine contractions with cervical changes.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Drinking enough water can help prevent dehydration, which can trigger preterm labor contractions.Dehydration can also cause low amniotic fluid levels, which can affect fetal growth and development.
Choice A is wrong because avoiding sexual intercourse until term is not necessary for most women at risk for preterm labor.Sexual activity does not cause preterm labor unless there are other complications, such as placenta previa or cervical insufficiency.
Choice C is wrong because lying down when feeling contractions may not stop preterm labor.If a woman has regular contractions that cause cervical change, she should seek medical attention as soon as possible.Lying down may also reduce blood flow to the uterus and placenta, which can affect fetal oxygenation.
Choice D is wrong because taking aspirin for pelvic pain is not recommended for pregnant women.Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding and affect fetal blood circulation.
Pelvic pain may be a sign of preterm labor or other complications, so it should be evaluated by a health care provider
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm3 indicates an infection that can trigger pre-term labor.The normal range for white blood cell count in pregnancy is 5.7-15.0×10 9 /L, which is equivalent to 5,700-15,000/mm3.
A count above this range suggests an inflammatory response to an infection.
Choice B is wrong because a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is within the normal range for pregnancy, which is 10-14 g/dL.
Choice C is wrong because a platelet count of 250,000/mm3 is within the normal range for pregnancy, which is 150,000-400,000/mm3.
Choice D is wrong because a blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL is within the normal range for pregnancy, which is 70-110 mg/dL.
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