A nurse is performing a non-stress test (NST) for a client who is 34 weeks pregnant and has pre-eclampsia.
Which of the following fetal heart rate patterns indicates a reactive test?
Two or more accelerations of at least 15 beats/min above baseline lasting for at least 15 seconds in a 20-minute period
No accelerations or decelerations in a 20-minute period
One acceleration of at least 10 beats/min above baseline lasting for at least 10 seconds in a 20-minute period
Variable decelerations with normal variability in a 20-minute period
The Correct Answer is A
Two or more accelerations of at least 15 beats/min above baseline lasting for at least 15 seconds in a 20-minute period. This indicates a reactive test, which means that the fetus is well oxygenated and not in distress.
Choice B is wrong because no accelerations or decelerations in a 20-minute period indicate a non-reactive test, which may suggest fetal hypoxia or acidosis.
Choice C is wrong because one acceleration of at least 10 beats/min above baseline lasting for at least 10 seconds in a 20-minute period is the criterion for a reactive test for gestational age less than 32 weeks, not 34 weeks.
Choice D is wrong because variable decelerations with normal variability in a 20-minute period indicate cord compression or fetal head compression, not a reactive test.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
To accelerate fetal lung maturity.Corticosteroids are given to pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia who are at risk of preterm delivery to help the development of the fetus’s lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome.
This can improve the survival and health outcomes of the newborn.
Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in pre-eclampsia.They are used for other inflammatory conditions such as asthma or arthritis.
Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent infection in pre-eclampsia.They can actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.
Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not increase platelet count in pre-eclampsia.They can actually decrease the platelet count by causing thrombocytopenia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
“This medication will help my baby’s lungs develop faster.” Corticosteroid therapy is given to pregnant clients with eclampsia to accelerate fetal lung maturity and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice A is wrong because corticosteroids do not lower blood pressure.Antihypertensive drugs such as hydralazine or labetalol are used to treat hypertension in eclampsia.
• Choice B is wrong because corticosteroids do not prevent seizures.Magnesium sulfate is the drug of choice for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in eclampsia.
• Choice D is wrong because corticosteroids do not reduce inflammation in the body.They may have anti-inflammatory effects in some conditions, but their main purpose in eclampsia is to enhance fetal lung development.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy are:
• Blood pressure: less than 140/90 mm Hg
• Proteinuria: less than 300 mg/24 hours or less than 1+ on dipstick
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