A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 weeks postpartum.
The client tells the nurse, "I feel really down and sad lately.
I have no energy and I feel like I'm going to cry.”. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is in preterm labor at 30 weeks of gestation and has a new prescription for betamethasone. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? The correct answer is Choice A: "The purpose of this medication is to boost fetal lung maturity.”.

Choice A rationale:

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid given to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery to accelerate fetal lung maturation. It promotes the production of surfactant in the fetal lungs, which is essential for preventing respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. This statement provides accurate information about the medication's purpose.

Choice B rationale:

Stating that the medication is for stopping preterm labor contractions is incorrect. Betamethasone is not a tocolytic agent used to halt contractions. It is solely administered to enhance fetal lung maturity and has no direct effect on uterine contractions.

Choice C rationale:

Indicating that the medication's purpose is to increase the fetal heart rate is inaccurate. Betamethasone does not affect fetal heart rate. Its primary role is to enhance the development of the fetal lungs to improve the newborn's respiratory function.

Choice D rationale:

Mentioning that the medication is to halt cervical dilation is not correct. Betamethasone is not intended to stop cervical dilation or prevent preterm labor. Its primary function is to prepare the fetal lungs for better functioning after birth.

Choice A rationale:

Blotting the perineal area dry after voiding is an important part of perineal care. Moisture can contribute to perineal infection, so it is essential to keep the area dry. This practice helps prevent the growth of bacteria and reduces the risk of infection.

Choice D rationale:

Cleaning the perineal area from front to back is crucial in reducing the risk of perineal infection. This method helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the perineum and vaginal area, reducing the risk of infection.

Choice E rationale:

Performing hand hygiene before and after voiding is an important aspect of perineal care and infection prevention. Proper hand hygiene helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from the hands to the perineal area and vice versa, reducing the risk of infection.

Choice B rationale:

Applying ice packs to the perineal area several times daily is not a recommended practice for reducing the risk of perineal infection. While ice packs can provide pain relief and reduce swelling, they should not be applied excessively, as prolonged exposure to cold can compromise blood flow and potentially increase the risk of tissue damage or infection.

Choice C rationale:

Sitting on an inflatable donut to protect the perineum is not a recommended practice for reducing the risk of perineal infection. Inflatable donuts can increase pressure on the perineal area, potentially causing discomfort and impairing blood flow. Proper hygiene and keeping the area clean and dry are more effective strategies for infection prevention. .