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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity.Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing when the baby breathes.This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce inflammation in the uterus.

Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection in the amniotic fluid.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood flow to the placenta.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation.Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended for women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, and may be considered for women at 23 weeks of gestation or between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation depending on the clinical scenario.

A. Tachypnea and grunting B. Bradycardia and cyanosis C. Apnea and nasal flaring D. All of the above

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

All of the above.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that affects preterm newborns who have immature lungs and lack sufficient surfactant.

Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the alveoli open and prevents them from collapsing.

Without enough surfactant, the newborn has difficulty breathing and may develop hypoxia and acidosis.

Choice A is wrong because tachypnea and grunting are signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.

They can also be caused by other conditions such as transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.

Choice B is wrong because bradycardia and cyanosis are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.

They can also be caused by other conditions such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or sepsis.

Choice C is wrong because apnea and nasal flaring are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.

They can also be caused by other conditions such as intracranial ...

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a pre-term newborn who was born at 28 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings indicates a possible diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is monitoring a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. The client is receiving magnesium sulfate IV infusion. Which of the following are expected adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is assessing a client for pre-term labor. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate being ordered for this client?

A nurse is teaching a client who is pregnant about the risk factors for pre-term labor. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is reviewing the history of a client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following factors increases the risk of pre-term labor?

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 educating a client who is at risk for pre-term labor about measures to prevent it from occurring. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

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?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for pre-term labor. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication?

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?