A nurse is evaluating the fetal heart rate tracing of a client who is in pre-term labor and receiving magnesium sulfate.
The nurse should identify that which of the following patterns indicates a potential adverse effect of the medication on the fetus?
Accelerations
Early decelerations
Variable decelerations
Absent variability
The Correct Answer is D
According to the search results, magnesium sulfate can have a negative effect on the fetal heart rate (FHR) by lowering the baseline, decreasing the variability, and reducing the reactivity or acceleration pattern. Absent variability means that there is no fluctuation in the FHR and it indicates fetal hypoxia or acidosis.
This is a potential adverse effect of magnesium sulfate on the fetus and requires immediate intervention.
Choice A. Accelerations is wrong because accelerations are transient increases in the FHR that indicate fetal well-being. They are not affected by magnesium sulfate.
Choice B. Early decelerations is wrong because early decelerations are decreases in the FHR that occur with uterine contractions and are caused by fetal head compression. They are benign and do not indicate fetal distress. They are not associated with magnesium sulfate.
Choice C. Variable decelerations is wrong because variable decelerations are abrupt decreases in the FHR that vary in shape, duration, and timing and are caused by umbilical cord compression.
They may or may not indicate fetal compromise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lying on one’s back with knees bent while using the monitor is not recommended for women at risk of preterm labor, as it can put pressure on the inferior vena cava, a major vein leading back to the heart.This can cause low blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the uterus and the baby.A better position is to lie on one’s side with a pillow at the back for support.
Choice A is correct because emptying the bladder before applying the monitor can reduce interference from urine contractions and make the readings more accurate.
Choice C is correct because pressing the event marker every time one feels a contraction can help record the frequency and duration of uterine activity.
Choice D is correct because using the monitor for at least 1 hour twice a day can provide sufficient data on uterine contractions and help detect early signs of preterm labor.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm labor to improve neonatal outcomes.Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing after birth.This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, a common complication of preterm birth.
Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not decrease the risk of infection in the newborn.In fact, it may increase the risk of maternal and neonatal infections by suppressing the immune system.
Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood glucose levels in the newborn.However, it may cause transient hyperglycemia in the mother, which should be monitored and treated if necessary.
Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not decrease the risk of bleeding in the newborn.It may increase the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage, a type of bleeding in the brain, if given before 24 weeks of gestation.Therefore, it should be used with caution in this population and only after a family’s decision regarding resuscitation.
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