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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A cervical cerclage is a procedure that involves placing stitches around the cervix to prevent it from opening prematurely.This procedure is usually done for women who have a history of cervical insufficiency or a short cervix, which are risk factors for preterm labor.
Choice A is wrong because history of gestational diabetes is not a risk factor for preterm labor.
Gestational diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar during pregnancy and can affect the health of the mother and the baby, but it does not increase the risk of preterm labor.
Choice C is wrong because history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a risk factor for preterm labor.
UTIs are infections that affect the urinary system and can cause symptoms such as pain, burning, or frequent urination.
UTIs can also spread to the kidneys or the uterus and cause inflammation or infection that can trigger preterm labor.
Choice D is wrong because history of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a risk factor for preterm labor.
ART refers to any medical procedure that helps with conception, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
ART can increase the risk of preterm labor because it can result in multiple gestations (twins, triplets, or more), which put more strain on the uterus and can cause it to contract prematurely.ART can also cause complications such as placenta previa or rupture of the uterus, which can lead to preterm labor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
True labor contractions cause cervical dilation and effacement.
This means that the cervix opens up and thins out to prepare for the baby’s passage through the birth canal.
Cervical changes can be measured by a pelvic exam.
Choice A is wrong because true labor contractions are regular and do not subside with rest.False labor contractions are irregular and may stop when you change position or activity level.
Choice B is wrong because false labor contractions are usually felt in the front of the abdomen, not in the lower back.True labor contractions may start in the back and radiate to the abdomen.
Choice D is wrong because false labor contractions do not increase in intensity with ambulation.True labor contractions may become stronger and closer together when you walk.
Normal ranges for cervical dilation and effacement vary depending on the stage of labor, but generally, full dilation is 10 cm and full effacement is 100%.
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