A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is scheduled for a cesarean birth based on the fetal lungs having reached maturity. Which of the following findings indicates that the fetal lungs are mature?
Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) absent
Nonstress test is reactive
Lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio of 2:1
Biophysical profile score of 8
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: The presence of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in the amniotic fluid is another indicator of fetal lung maturity. The absence of PG is associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the newborn.
Choice B rationale: A nonstress test is a test performed during pregnancy to evaluate the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movement. It is not directly related to assessing fetal lung maturity.
Choice C rationale: The L/S ratio is an important indicator of fetal lung maturity. Lecithin and sphingomyelin are two surfactants present in the lungs, and the ratio of these two substances increases as the fetal lungs mature. An L/S ratio of 2:1 or greater is considered an indication of lung maturity and suggests that the newborn should be able to breathe adequately after birth.
Choice D rationale: The biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal ultrasound assessment of the fetus, which includes evaluating fetal movements, breathing, heart rate, and amniotic fluid volume. While a BPP of 8 is a reassuring score, it does not provide direct information about fetal lung maturity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Turning the client onto her left side is a common measure to improve fetal oxygenation and is often used during labor. However, in this scenario, the nurse needs to address the absence of fetal movement during the nonstress test.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to walk around and then resume monitoring is not appropriate when there is a concern about the absence of fetal movement during the nonstress test.
Choice C rationale:
Vibroacoustic stimulation involves using sound stimulation to elicit fetal movement. If there has been no fetal movement during the nonstress test, this intervention can be used to assess fetal well-being and provoke a response from the fetus.
Choice D rationale:
Preparing the client for induction of labor is not indicated based solely on the absence of fetal movement during a nonstress test. Further assessment and interventions are needed before considering induction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect and is not directly related to respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale: Cesarean birth, while it can have other implications, is not a direct risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis. The mode of delivery does not directly impact the newborn's respiratory function.
Choice C rationale: While being small for gestational age can be associated with certain health challenges, it is not a direct risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory acidosis. The baby's size does not determine its respiratory status.
Choice D rationale: Maternal history of asthma is a risk factor that can predispose the newborn to respiratory difficulties, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and respiratory acidosis. Infants born to mothers with asthma may have a higher likelihood of developing respiratory problems due to potential genetic factors and exposure to environmental triggers during pregnancy.
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