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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Regular uterine contractions occurring every 15 minutes.

This finding suggests that the client may have placental abruption, which is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and fetal distress.

Choice B is wrong because low back pain and pelvic pressure are common symptoms of preterm labor, which is not as urgent as placental abruption.

Choice C is wrong because a change in vaginal discharge is not a specific sign of any complication and may be normal in pregnancy.

Choice D is wrong because rupture of membranes is not a priority finding in this case, unless it is associated with infection or cord prolapse.

A. Referral to community services for support B. Encouragement to smoke in moderation C. Instructions for heavy lifting and strenuous exercise D. Recommendation to avoid kangaroo care

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Referral to community services for support.

A client in preterm labor who is being discharged from the hospital needs to have a discharge plan that includes education, follow-up care, and support services.A referral to community services for support can help the client cope with the stress and anxiety of preterm labor, access resources such as home health care or social workers, and prevent complications or recurrence of preterm labor.

B. Encouragement to smoke in moderation is wrong because smoking is harmful for both the mother and the baby.

Smoking can increase the risk of preterm labor, low birth weight, placental abruption, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).Smoking should be avoided completely during pregnancy and after delivery.

C. Instructions for heavy lifting and strenuous exercise is wrong because these activities can trigger uterine contractions and increase the risk of preterm labor.

A client in preterm labor should rest as much as possible and avoid physical exertion.The client should also avoid sexual intercourse, which can stimulate the cervix and cause bleeding or infection.

D. Recommendation to avoid kangaroo care is wrong because kangaroo care is a method of holding a newborn skin-to-skin with the mother or father.

Kangaroo care can have many benefits for preterm babies, such as improving temperature regulation, breathing, heart rate, feeding, bonding, and growth.Kangaroo care can also reduce stress and pain for both the baby and the parent.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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?