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?

To suppress uterine contractions

To prevent infection

To promote fetal lung maturity

To reduce maternal blood pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

To promote fetal lung maturity. Betamethasone (Celestone) is a type of corticosteroid that can help reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and other complications in preterm infants by accelerating the development of their lungs. It is recommended for pregnant women between 24 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation who are at risk of preterm delivery within 7 days.

Choice A is wrong because betamethasone does not suppress uterine contractions.

It has no effect on the cause of preterm labor.

Choice B is wrong because betamethasone does not prevent infection.

It may actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.

Choice D is wrong because betamethasone does not reduce maternal blood pressure.

It may actually cause hypertension and hyperglycemia as side effects.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given to pregnant women who are at risk of preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity and prevent respiratory distress syndrome.It is usually given in two doses, 24 hours apart, and takes effect within 24 hours of administration.

Choice B.Magnesium sulfate is wrong because it is used to prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.

Choice C.Nifedipine is wrong because it is a calcium channel blocker that is used to inhibit uterine contractions and prolong pregnancy in women with preterm labor, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.

Choice D.Indomethacin is wrong because it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce uterine activity in women with preterm labor, not to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.However, it can also cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus and should be avoided after 32 weeks of gestation.

Normal ranges for gestational age are 37 to 42 weeks.

Preterm labor is defined as regular uterine contractions with cervical changes.

A. Hypertension B. Hyperreflexia C. Respiratory depression D. Tachycardia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Magnesium sulfate is a drug that is used to prevent seizures associated with pre-eclampsia and to stop preterm labor.However, it can also cause adverse effects such as respiratory depression, which is a condition where the breathing rate becomes too slow and shallow.

Respiratory depression can be life-threatening for both the mother and the baby, so the nurse should monitor the client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation closely.

Choice A is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hypotension, not hypertension.Hypotension is low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and shock.

Choice B is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause hyporeflexia, not hyperreflexia.Hyporeflexia is a reduced or absent reflex response, which can indicate magnesium toxicity.

The nurse should check the client’s deep tendon reflexes regularly and stop the infusion if they are absent.

Choice D is wrong because magnesium sulfate can cause bradycardia, not tachycardia.

Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, which can reduce the blood flow to vital organs.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is admitting a client who is at 30 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to prevent fetal respiratory distress syndrome?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in pre-term labor and receiving magnesium sulfate therapy. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of magnesium sulfate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is administering betamethasone to a client who is at risk for pre-term labor at 30 weeks of gestation. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse monitor for in the newborn?

A nurse is caring for a client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and has signs of pre-term labor. Which of the following tests should the nurse anticipate to confirm ROM?

A nurse is monitoring a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. The client is receiving magnesium sulfate IV infusion. Which of the following are expected adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply)

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:

A nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client who is at 25 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor that was successfully stopped with tocolytic therapy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a pregnant client at 36 weeks of gestation who reports low back pain and pelvic pressure. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A nurse is administering terbutaline to a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation and has pre-term labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?

A nurse is teaching a client who is at risk for pre-term labor about the signs and symptoms to report to the provider. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

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?