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."

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This statement is correct, as the ultrasound can help diagnose placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening and can cause painless, bright red bleeding in the third trimester. Placenta previa is a serious complication that can affect the delivery and the fetal oxygenation.

Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect, as the biparietal diameter is a measurement of the fetal head that is used to estimate the gestational age and the fetal growth. The biparietal diameter is not related to the cause or the severity of the bleeding.

Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect, as the fetal lung maturity is an assessment of the surfactant level in the amniotic fluid that is used to predict the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. The fetal lung maturity is not related to the cause or the severity of the bleeding.

Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect, as the viability of the fetus is an evaluation of the fetal heart rate, movement, and tone that is used to determine the fetal well-being and distress. The viability of the fetus is not related to the cause or the severity of the bleeding, although it can be affected by it.

A. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula. B. Offer option to view products of conception. C. Instruct the client to increase potassium-rich foods in the diet. D. Maintain the client in a Trendelenburg position.

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.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client who is at 10 weeks of gestation and reports abdominal pain and moderate vaginal bleeding. The tentative diagnosis is inevitable abortion. Which of the following nursing interventions should be included in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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