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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Assess the client’s vital signs.

The nurse should first assess the client’s vital signs to determine the severity of the situation and identify any signs of infection, bleeding, or shock.

The nurse should also monitor the fetal heart rate to assess fetal well-being.

Choice B is wrong because a sterile vaginal exam is not indicated for a client who reports lower abdominal cramping and may increase the risk of infection or rupture of membranes.

Choice C is wrong because administering tocolytic medication is not the first action the nurse should take.

Tocolytic medication may be used to inhibit uterine contractions and prolong pregnancy, but only after assessing the client’s and fetus’s condition and obtaining a prescription from the provider.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring the fetal heart rate is not the first action the nurse should take.

Monitoring the fetal heart rate is important to assess fetal well-being, but it does not take priority over assessing the client’s vital signs.

A. Reduce inflammation in the uterus B. Enhance fetal lung maturity C. Prevent infection in the amniotic fluid D. Increase blood flow to the placenta

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity.Betamethasone stimulates the production of surfactant, a substance that lubricates the lungs and prevents them from collapsing when the baby breathes.This reduces the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce inflammation in the uterus.

Choice C is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection in the amniotic fluid.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not increase blood flow to the placenta.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.

Preterm birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation.Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended for women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days, and may be considered for women at 23 weeks of gestation or between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation depending on the clinical scenario.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and reports lower abdominal cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is in pre-term labor at 28 weeks of gestation. The nurse should explain that the purpose of this medication is to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a pre-term newborn who was born at 28 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings indicates a possible diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

A nurse is planning care for a pre-term newborn who has a diagnosis of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone (Celestone) to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. What is the purpose of this medication?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate for pre-term labor. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication?

A nurse is preparing to perform an amniocentesis on a client who is at 27 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before the procedure?

A client at 28 weeks of gestation presents with bleeding from the vagina. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?

A nurse is teaching a client who is at 25 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor about the purpose and side effects of magnesium sulfate therapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is preparing to administer nifedipine to a client who is in pre-term labor. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the provider if the client has which of the following conditions?

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?