A nurse is caring for a client who is at 37 weeks of gestation and experiences a spontaneous rupture of membranes before labor has begun. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer betamethasone to the client.
Administer magnesium sulfate to the client.
Monitor fetal heart rate every 4 hr.
Monitor the client's temperature every 2 hr.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Administer betamethasone to the client: Betamethasone is given to promote fetal lung maturity in preterm labor, typically before 34 weeks of gestation. At 37 weeks, the fetus is considered term, so corticosteroids are not indicated.
B. Administer magnesium sulfate to the client: Magnesium sulfate is used for neuroprotection in preterm labor or for seizure prophylaxis in preeclampsia. Since this client is at term without preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate is not indicated.
C. Monitor fetal heart rate every 4 hr: Continuous or frequent fetal heart rate monitoring is recommended after spontaneous rupture of membranes to detect signs of fetal distress or infection. Monitoring only every 4 hours is insufficient.
D. Monitor the client's temperature every 2 hr: Maternal infection, such as chorioamnionitis, is a significant risk after spontaneous rupture of membranes. Monitoring the client’s temperature every 2 hours allows early detection of infection and timely intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Fetal activity: Decreased fetal movement is an abnormal finding suggesting possible fetal distress or hypoxia. It indicates reduced oxygen or nutrient delivery to the fetus, often associated with maternal complications such as hypertension or preeclampsia. Immediate evaluation with fetal monitoring or ultrasound is warranted.
B. Urine ketones: The absence of urine ketones is expected and does not indicate a prenatal complication. Ketones would only be concerning if elevated, as they could signal dehydration, starvation, or poorly controlled diabetes, which is not present in this case.
C. Urine protein: The presence of 3+ protein in the urine is a key indicator of preeclampsia. Proteinuria results from endothelial damage in the kidneys caused by hypertension, leading to leakage of protein into the urine and confirming a serious pregnancy complication.
D. Report of headache: A severe, persistent headache unrelieved by acetaminophen suggests cerebral vasospasm related to preeclampsia. It reflects increased blood pressure affecting cerebral circulation and can precede seizures or eclampsia if untreated.
E. Respiratory rate: A respiratory rate of 16/min is within the normal range for adults and does not indicate a prenatal complication. There is no evidence of respiratory distress or metabolic abnormality in this finding.
F. Blood pressure: A reading of 162/112 mm Hg meets the diagnostic criteria for severe hypertension in pregnancy and strongly indicates preeclampsia. Uncontrolled elevated blood pressure increases the risk of seizures, placental abruption, and fetal growth restriction.
G. Gravida/parity: Being G3 P2 with one preterm birth is useful background information but not, by itself, a sign of a current complication. It helps identify obstetric history and risk factors but does not reflect an immediate prenatal concern in this assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Advise the client to wait 1 hr before showering or swimming: Testosterone gel should be allowed to fully absorb into the skin before washing or swimming, typically waiting at least 1 hour. This ensures optimal absorption and therapeutic effect.
B. Instruct the client to have his testosterone checked in 1 week: Testosterone levels are generally evaluated after several weeks of therapy to assess effectiveness, not after just one week.
C. Wear clean gloves to apply the gel: The client should apply the medication themselves using clean, dry hands. The nurse should wear gloves only if assisting to prevent unintentional hormone absorption.
D. Apply the gel to the client's genital region: Testosterone gel should not be applied to the genitals due to increased absorption risk and skin irritation. Recommended sites include shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen.
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