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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula is not a necessary intervention for the client, unless she has signs of hypoxia, such as dyspnea, tachypnea, or cyanosis. Oxygen administration is not routinely indicated for clients with inevitable abortion.
Choice B reason: Offering option to view products of conception is an appropriate intervention for the client, because it can help her cope with the loss of pregnancy and facilitate the grieving process. The nurse should respect the client's decision and provide emotional support.
Choice C reason: Instructing the client to increase potassium-rich foods in the diet is not a relevant intervention for the client, unless she has signs of hypokalemia, such as muscle weakness, cramps, or arrhythmias. Potassium intake is not related to the cause or prevention of inevitable abortion.
Choice D reason: Maintaining the client in a Trendelenburg position is not a recommended intervention for the client, because it can increase the risk of aspiration, respiratory compromise, and venous congestion. Trendelenburg position is not effective in preventing or treating inevitable abortion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Initiation of pushing is not an appropriate nursing action, as it can increase the bleeding and the risk of placental separation, which can cause fetal hypoxia, hemorrhage, or shock. Pushing is contraindicated in clients with placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening and can cause painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester.
Choice B reason: Examination to determine cervical status is not an appropriate nursing action, as it can cause trauma and perforation of the placenta, which can lead to severe bleeding and infection. Examination is contraindicated in clients with placenta previa, unless it is confirmed by ultrasound that the placenta is not low-lying or covering the cervix.
Choice C reason: Preparation for cesarean birth is an appropriate nursing action, as it is the preferred mode of delivery for clients with placenta previa, especially if the bleeding is heavy, the fetus is mature, or the fetal distress is present. Cesarean birth can prevent the complications of placenta previa, such as fetal hypoxia, hemorrhage, or shock.
Choice D reason: A magnesium sulfate infusion is not an appropriate nursing action, as it is a drug that prevents seizures and lowers the blood pressure in clients with severe preeclampsia, which is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Magnesium sulfate is not indicated for clients with placenta previa, unless they also have severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.