A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and is in preterm labor. The client has a new order for betamethasone and asks the nurse about the purpose of this medication. The nurse should provide which of the following explanations?
"It promotes fetal lung maturity."
"It halts cervical dilation."
"It increases the fetal heart rate."
"It is used to stop preterm labor contractions."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of delivering before 34 weeks of gestation. Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, which is a substance that prevents the alveoli from collapsing and improves the lung function of the fetus.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone does not affect the cervical dilation, which is a sign of labor progression. Betamethasone does not stop or delay labor, but rather reduces the complications of prematurity, such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing enterocolitis.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone does not increase the fetal heart rate, which is a measure of fetal well-being. Betamethasone may cause transient fetal bradycardia, which is a decrease in the fetal heart rate, due to the increased vagal tone and blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the fetal heart rate and notify the provider if there are any signs of fetal distress.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as betamethasone is not used to stop preterm labor contractions, which are caused by the uterine muscle activity. Betamethasone does not have any tocolytic effect, which is the ability to inhibit uterine contractions. Other medications, such as magnesium sulfate, nifedipine, or indomethacin, may be used to stop preterm labor contractions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I'll basically follow the same diet that I was following before I became pregnant." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the need for dietary changes during pregnancy. The client should follow a diet that is individualized, balanced, and consistent in carbohydrate intake, and that meets the nutritional needs of pregnancy.
Choice B reason: "Because I need extra protein, I'll have to increase my intake of milk and meat." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the role of protein in diabetes management. The client should consume adequate but not excessive amounts of protein, and choose lean sources of protein, such as poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes.
Choice C reason: "I'll adjust my diet and insulin based on the results of my urine tests for glucose." is an incorrect statement, because it indicates that the client does not understand the limitations of urine tests for glucose. The client should monitor her blood glucose levels regularly, and adjust her diet and insulin accordingly, under the guidance of the provider. Urine tests for glucose are not accurate or reliable indicators of blood glucose levels.
Choice D reason: "Pregnancy affects insulin production, so I'll need to make adjustments in my diet." is a correct statement, because it indicates that the client understands the impact of pregnancy on diabetes. The client should be aware that pregnancy can cause insulin resistance, especially in the second and third trimesters, and that her diet may need to be modified to achieve optimal glycemic control.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory rate is the priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate can cause respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening complication. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate closely, and discontinue the infusion if it falls below 12 breaths per minute.
Choice B reason: Bowel sounds is not a priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate does not have a significant effect on the gastrointestinal system. The nurse should assess the client's bowel sounds as part of the routine physical examination, but it is not a critical parameter for this medication.
Choice C reason: Time of last food intake is not a priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate does not interact with food or affect the absorption of nutrients. The nurse should inquire about the client's dietary intake and preferences, but it is not a vital factor for this medication.
Choice D reason: Temperature is not a priority nursing assessment for this client, because magnesium sulfate does not cause fever or hypothermia. The nurse should measure the client's temperature as part of the vital signs, but it is not a key indicator for this medication.
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