A nurse is caring for a pre-term newborn who has a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer to close the ductus arteriosus?
Indomethacin
Prostaglandin E1
Furosemide
Digoxin
The Correct Answer is A
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps close the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting two arteries of the heart (aorta and pulmonary artery) in fetus. This drug is effective only among premature babies.
Choice B. Prostaglandin E1 is wrong because it is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open in some congenital heart defects that require surgery.
Choice C. Furosemide is wrong because it is a diuretic that reduces fluid retention and blood pressure, but does not affect the ductus arteriosus.
Choice D. Digoxin is wrong because it is a cardiac glycoside that strengthens the heart muscle contractions and regulates the heart rhythm, but does not affect the ductus arteriosus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“This medication can cause premature closure of your baby’s ductus arteriosus.”
Indomethacin is a NSAID that can prevent the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in preterm contractions.However, it can also cause constrictive effects on the fetal ductus arteriosus, which can lead to cardiac complications and oligohydramnios.The dosage and duration of indomethacin treatment should be carefully monitored.
Choice B is wrong because indomethacin does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.In fact, it may reduce the risk of bleeding by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Choice C is wrong because indomethacin does not cause jaundice in the baby.
Jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which can be due to various factors such as blood group incompatibility, infection, or liver problems.
Choice D is wrong because indomethacin does not increase blood pressure during labor.It may actually lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
Normal ranges for indomethacin dosage are 25 to 50 mg orally every 6 hours or 100 mg rectally every 12 hours for up to 48 hours.
Normal ranges for fetal ductus arteriosus diameter are 1.5 to 4 mm before 28 weeks of gestation and 1 to 3 mm after 28 weeks of gestation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Regular uterine contractions occurring every 15 minutes.
This finding suggests that the client may have placental abruption, which is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and fetal distress.
Choice B is wrong because low back pain and pelvic pressure are common symptoms of preterm labor, which is not as urgent as placental abruption.
Choice C is wrong because a change in vaginal discharge is not a specific sign of any complication and may be normal in pregnancy.
Choice D is wrong because rupture of membranes is not a priority finding in this case, unless it is associated with infection or cord prolapse.
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