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: Increased subcutaneous fat is not a typical finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have less subcutaneous fat, and may appear thin and wasted.
Choice B reason: Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because the skin has been exposed to the amniotic fluid for a prolonged period. The skin may also appear peeling, wrinkled, or leathery.
Choice C reason: Scant scalp hair is not a usual finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have more scalp hair, and may also have long nails and abundant lanugo.
Choice D reason: Copious vernix is not a specific finding in a newborn who was born at 42.5 weeks of gestation, because it is more characteristic of a term or preterm newborn. A postterm newborn tends to have little or no vernix, which is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin in utero.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This action is the first and most important intervention that the nurse should perform, as it can prevent or reduce the compression of the umbilical cord, which can cause fetal hypoxia, bradycardia, or death. The nurse should insert a gloved hand into the vagina and gently push the presenting part away from the cord, and maintain this position until the delivery.
Choice B reason: This action is not the first intervention that the nurse should perform, as it does not address the cause of the cord prolapse, which is the displacement of the cord below the presenting part. However, this action is helpful to prevent the drying and infection of the cord, and should be done after the first intervention.
Choice C reason: This action is not the first intervention that the nurse should perform, as it may not be effective or feasible depending on the stage of labor and the client's condition. However, this action is beneficial to reduce the pressure of the presenting part on the cord, and should be done after the first intervention.
Choice D reason: This action is not the first intervention that the nurse should perform, as it does not provide immediate relief or protection to the fetus. However, this action is necessary to expedite the delivery and prevent further complications, and should be done after the first intervention.
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